This page explains what the tools calculate and where their limits are. Formula outputs are informational. They do not determine eligibility, meet placing or an official best-lifter award.
Units and rounding
Weight inputs use the unit selected above the tool. The conversion is 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg. Bodyweight-scoring formulas and table lookups operate in kilograms. Scores are displayed to two decimals; some weight outputs use one decimal. Calculations retain precision until display. Changing the unit converts populated weight fields so the physical load stays the same.
DOTS
The male and female polynomial coefficients follow Tim Konertz’s published formula. The bodyweight coefficient is bounded at 40–210 kg for men and 40–150 kg for women, as described in the original publication. The calculator flags a boundary substitution. A total is never replaced with a boundary value.
Wilks versions
The tool carries separate classic Wilks and Wilks 2020 polynomial coefficient sets. Classic Wilks uses a numerator of 500; Wilks 2020 uses 600. The versions are shown separately. These are neither DOTS nor IPF GL points. Compare results only under the same version. Very unusual bodyweights require particular care with polynomial extrapolation.
Interpretation and comparisons
The old interface assigned generic “beginner” through “world class” labels from hand-chosen thresholds. Those labels have been removed from the refreshed interface because they were not percentiles from a defined athlete dataset. The comparison tool applies DOTS to both lifters using a single selected coefficient set; it does not compare equipment or age categories.
Legacy coefficient tables
Reshel and age-adjusted totals are retained for continuity and explicitly marked as legacy-table outputs. The original editions of those tables have not been independently established. Reshel uses quarter-kilogram floor lookup with the carried-over fallback rule; the revised calculation does not silently clamp inputs outside the stored table range. Age entries must be whole numbers from 14 through 90.
Weight-class presets
The weight-class checker uses stored lists, not live federation data. The inherited presets are not all verified against 2026 rules. Its IPF list represents Open limits, not every younger category. Always check the applicable rulebook; report a change with an official source so the preset can be corrected.
Training percentages
Percentage weight = supplied 1RM × percentage ÷ 100. The output does not estimate your maximum, predict repetitions or prescribe training. It also does not automatically round to the plates you have available.
Correcting an error
Send the tool name, selected units, coefficient category, exact inputs, expected result and an authoritative source through the contact page. Do not send private athlete information. Numerical examples in the guides are illustrative calculations, not claims of real performances.