Calculate a three-lift DOTS score
DOTS multiplies a powerlifting total by a bodyweight-based coefficient. It gives you one number for comparing totals across bodyweights. This tool calculates the standard score without an age multiplier.
- Choose kilograms or pounds. Use the same unit for bodyweight and every lift.
- Select the published men’s or women’s formula for the category you are comparing, then enter bodyweight.
- Enter a three-lift total, or choose Three lifts and enter squat, bench press, and deadlift separately. Include the bar in each lift.
Both entry modes require positive weights. The individual-lift mode adds one weight per lift; it does not add all of your attempts or multiply by repetitions. For a meet comparison, use the recorded bodyweight and accepted total from that meet. A set of gym bests from different days is a separate comparison, so label it that way in your log.
DOTS formula and coefficients
The original specification by Tim Konertz publishes two fourth-degree polynomial curves. Let W be bodyweight in kilograms after applying the boundary rule below, and T be the three-lift total in kilograms.
Coefficient = 500 ÷ (aW⁴ + bW³ + cW² + dW + e)
DOTS score = T × coefficient
| Term | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| a · W⁴ | -0.000001093 | -0.0000010706 |
| b · W³ | 0.0007391293 | 0.0005158568 |
| c · W² | -0.1918759221 | -0.1126655495 |
| d · W | 24.0900756 | 13.6175032 |
| e | -307.75076 | -57.96288 |
The bodyweight domains are 40–210 kg for men and 40–150 kg for women. Outside a domain, DOTS uses the coefficient at its nearest boundary. For example, the women’s formula uses its 150 kg coefficient for an entered bodyweight of 160 kg. This calculator shows a notice whenever that rule applies; the lifting total stays unchanged.
Pound entries are converted using 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg. Calculations keep full precision, and the final score is displayed to two decimal places. Switching units preserves the entered quantities; editing a converted field replaces that entry with the new value shown in your selected unit.
Worked examples in kilograms
With the men’s formula, an 83 kg bodyweight and lifts of 180 kg squat, 120 kg bench press, and 200 kg deadlift make a 500 kg total. The coefficient is approximately 0.675087376.
180 + 120 + 200 = 500 kg
500 × 0.675087376 ≈ 337.54 DOTS
With the women’s formula, a 60 kg bodyweight and 400 kg total use a coefficient of approximately 1.108545625, giving 443.42 DOTS. These are arithmetic examples, not targets or strength classifications.
What does a DOTS score mean?
A higher DOTS score represents a higher total after the formula’s bodyweight adjustment. At a fixed bodyweight and formula category, a 5% larger total produces a 5% larger score. If bodyweight changes too, the coefficient changes.
The score does not tell you how many people you outperform, what load to attempt next, or how much muscle you have gained. For your own history, record the date, bodyweight, lifts, equipment, and whether the result came from a meet or training. Keep those conditions visible when comparing scores.
The calculator does not adjust for age, equipment, or judging standards. USA Powerlifting’s scoring explanation lists age adjustments separately. For a competition result or qualification, check that event’s current rules and official results.
Common questions
What is a good DOTS score?
It depends on the comparison. Start with results for the event, category, and equipment you care about, or your own comparable previous totals. This tool does not label scores as beginner, elite, or a percentile: those claims would need a defined population and supporting data.
Is DOTS the same as Wilks or IPF GL?
No. They are different scoring formulas, so their points are not interchangeable. This calculator implements DOTS only. Do not relabel a DOTS result as a Wilks or IPF GL score.
Can I enter a bench-only result?
This page is designed around a squat, bench press, and deadlift total. Entering only a bench result in the total field would produce arithmetic, but it would not be a three-lift comparison. Use the rules and scoring method specified for your single-lift event.
Why are there two formula categories?
The published DOTS specification provides men’s and women’s coefficient sets. These controls select a curve for the calculation. They do not determine competition eligibility or supply a separate curve for every federation category; consult your event’s rules for that comparison.
Can I use estimated one-rep maxes?
You can explore a hypothetical total, but label it as estimated. Adding estimates introduces their uncertainty into the DOTS result. The RPE calculator explains its estimation method; an estimated total is not a completed meet total.
Are my bodyweight and lifts saved?
These entries and results stay in this page’s browser session. They are not submitted or stored, and reloading resets the example. Use the free workout log to keep your own record.
Sources & method
Written by the Brolic team. These references explain the evidence and assumptions; this page does not replace individualized professional advice.
- Tim Konertz — Original DOTS specification — The two coefficient sets, bodyweight domains, and boundary rule. Original explanation in German.
- USA Powerlifting — DOTS coefficients — Independent publication of the coefficients and three-lift calculation; distinguishes age-adjusted scoring.
- OpenPowerlifting — DOTS implementation — Cross-check of both formula curves and the lower and upper bodyweight boundaries.