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The IPF GL (Goodlift) formula is the International Powerlifting Federation's official scoring system, effective since 2020, used to compare lifters fairly across different bodyweight classes and between sexes. It replaced the older IPF Points and Wilks-style formulas that federations previously relied on, addressing statistical shortcomings identified in those earlier models by using an updated curve fit to modern competition data. The core problem GL points solve is straightforward: a heavier lifter can typically move more absolute weight than a lighter one, purely because of body mass, so ranking lifters by raw total alone would always favor the heaviest competitors regardless of relative strength. GL points instead normalize each lifter's total against a bodyweight-based curve, producing a single comparable score used to determine "Best Lifter" awards at competitions spanning multiple weight classes, and to let lifters compare their performance against others outside their own class. This calculator uses the raw (classic, unequipped) division's official coefficients — equipped lifting (using supportive suits/shirts) uses a different, separate set of official coefficients not covered by this version.
How it works
Enter your sex, bodyweight, and total weight lifted (the sum of your best squat, bench press, and deadlift attempts). The tool applies the official GL Points formula: GL Points = 100 ÷ (A − B × e^(−C × bodyweight)) × total, where A, B, and C are sex-specific coefficients fitted by the IPF to reflect the relationship between bodyweight and expected strength across the full range of competitive lifters. The exponential term adjusts the scoring curve so that, statistically, a lifter with an average competitive total for their bodyweight class scores close to the same GL points regardless of which class they compete in.
- Enter sex.
- Enter bodyweight (kg).
- Enter total lifted — squat + bench + deadlift (kg).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
A raw lifter at a mid-weight class
A male lifter at 83 kg bodyweight with a 600 kg total scores about 83.06 GL points, using the official raw-division male coefficients.
Comparing two lifters in different weight classes
A lighter lifter with a lower absolute total can still score higher GL points than a heavier lifter with a larger total, if the lighter lifter's total is proportionally more impressive for their bodyweight — this is exactly the comparison GL points are designed to enable.
Who should use it
- Comparing your total against lifters in other bodyweight classes.
- Determining Best Lifter awards at a powerlifting meet.
- Tracking your own GL score progress across different competitions and bodyweights over time.
Industry applications
- Competitive powerlifting
- Strength sports coaching
Advantages
- The current official IPF scoring formula.
- Allows fair comparison across bodyweight classes and between sexes.
- Statistically updated from the older Wilks/IPF Points formulas.
Limitations
- Raw-division coefficients only — doesn't cover equipped lifting in this version.
- Designed for powerlifting's three specific lifts, not general strength comparisons.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Comparing raw totals directly across bodyweight classes instead of using points — this systematically favors heavier lifters.
- Using training bodyweight instead of actual competition weigh-in bodyweight, which skews the resulting GL score.
- Applying the raw-division coefficients to an equipped lift total, which uses a different official coefficient set.
Best practices
- Use GL points (not the older Wilks formula) for any current IPF-sanctioned or IPF-rules competition comparison, since GL is the federation's current official standard.
- Record your exact competition-day bodyweight and use that, rather than an approximate or average weight, for the most accurate score.
- Compare GL scores only within the same lifting category (raw vs. equipped) since the coefficients differ between them.
Tips
- Use your competition bodyweight (not your training weight) for an accurate GL score at a specific meet.
- Track your GL score across meets, not just your raw total, to see genuine strength progress even if your bodyweight changes.