Calculate your IPF Goodlift (GL) Points for powerlifting. The official IPF formula with separate coefficients for classic (raw) and equipped lifting.
IPF GL Points (Goodlift Points) is the official scoring system of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) since January 2020. It replaced the Wilks formula for all IPF-sanctioned competitions, including World Championships, regional championships, and national federations that follow IPF rules.
The GL formula uses an exponential decay model rather than a polynomial, which provides better statistical fit across all bodyweight classes. Critically, it has separate coefficient sets for classic (raw) and equipped lifting, recognizing that supportive equipment affects the bodyweight-to-strength relationship differently.
Enter your bodyweight, total, and equipment category to calculate your official IPF GL score. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this free online tool provides instant, reliable results without manual computation. By automating the calculation, you save time and reduce the risk of costly errors in your planning and decision-making process. This tool handles all the complex arithmetic so you can focus on interpreting results and making informed decisions based on accurate data.
If you compete in IPF or any IPF-affiliated federation, GL Points determine your best lifter ranking, qualification standards, and world record comparisons. Unlike Wilks or DOTS, GL Points separately account for raw vs equipped lifting, providing fairer comparisons within each equipment category. Having a precise figure at your fingertips empowers better planning and more confident decisions.
IPF GL Points = Total × 100 / (A − B × e^(−C × BW)) Where: • Total = squat + bench + deadlift (kg) • BW = bodyweight (kg) • A, B, C = sex/equipment-specific coefficients • e = Euler's number (2.71828...) The exponential model ensures the curve approaches an asymptote at high bodyweights rather than overshooting.
Result: IPF GL Points: 74.82
Using the male classic coefficients (A = 1199.72839, B = 1025.18162, C = 0.009210), the denominator is 1199.73 − 1025.18 × e^(−0.00921 × 82.5) = 724.45. Then GL = 550 × 100 / 724.45 = 75.92 points (approximate). This represents a strong intermediate-to-advanced performance in IPF terms.
The GL formula uses an exponential decay model: as bodyweight increases, the theoretical maximum total approaches an asymptote (limit) rather than increasing indefinitely. This is physiologically sensible — there's a practical upper bound on how much a human can lift regardless of bodyweight. The exponential model captures this better than the polynomial models used by Wilks and DOTS.
In IPF competition, "Classic" (raw) lifters may use a belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves. "Equipped" lifters use supportive gear including squat suits, bench shirts, and knee wraps that can add 10–30% to lifts. The GL formula accounts for this with separate coefficient sets, ensuring a 600 kg raw total and a 750 kg equipped total at the same bodyweight produce comparable GL scores.
The IPF publishes qualification standards in GL Points for World Championships. Athletes must achieve a minimum GL score at a sanctioned national competition within a specified period. This system ensures consistent qualification standards across all weight classes without maintaining separate tables for each class.
GL Points are scaled so that approximately 100 points represents a world-class performance. Scores above 80 are very strong (national-level), 60–80 is competitive regional, 40–60 is intermediate, and under 40 is beginner/novice. These ranges are approximate and vary by sex and equipment class.
Equipment (squat suits, bench shirts, knee wraps) adds more poundage to heavier lifters than lighter lifters, changing the bodyweight-to-strength curve. A single formula would unfairly compare a 60 kg raw lifter against a 120 kg equipped lifter. Separate coefficients ensure each equipment category has its own fair comparison.
They're on completely different scales. A Wilks of 400 might correspond to approximately 70–80 GL Points, depending on bodyweight and sex. Don't try to convert between them — each formula has its own scale and context. GL Points are relative to world-record performance.
The IPF reserves the right to update coefficients as the sport evolves and more data becomes available. The current coefficients were set in 2019–2020. Any updates are published in the IPF Technical Rules Book and take effect at a specified date.
The standard GL formula is designed for the three-lift total. For single-lift competitions, you can still apply the formula, but the resulting score is less meaningful because the coefficients were calibrated for totals. The IPF may publish separate single-lift coefficients for single-lift competitions.
The IPF identified statistical biases in the Wilks formula, particularly at extreme bodyweights and between raw vs equipped lifting. The GL formula uses a more robust exponential model fitted to modern competition data. The separate raw/equipped coefficient sets were a major improvement that Wilks couldn't provide.