IPF GL Points Calculator (Goodlift)

Understanding the IPF GL points calculator — concept and principle

IPF GL points (often called Goodlift points) turn a powerlifting total or a bench press result into a single score that can be compared across bodyweights and between men and women. The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) adopted the GL formula in 2020 to rank lifters for "best lifter" awards, replacing the earlier IPF points. Lifters use it to compare results across weight classes or to track progress after a bodyweight change.

Your result is measured against the curve for your bodyweight; about 100 is world-class.

How it is calculated

GL points = result × 100 ÷ (A − B × e^(−C × BW))

Result: the total (squat + bench + deadlift) or the bench press result, in kg.
BW: bodyweight in kg; for a meet, use the official weigh-in weight, for training, the weight on the day.
A, B, C: three coefficients chosen by sex and event. There are eight sets: men and women, each for classic (raw) powerlifting, equipped powerlifting, classic bench press and equipped bench press.

For men's classic powerlifting the coefficients are A = 1199.72839, B = 1025.18162 and C = 0.00921.

The principle

Heavier lifters lift more in absolute terms, but the gain gets smaller with every extra kilogram. The denominator A − B·e^(−C·BW) models this: it rises quickly at low bodyweights and then flattens toward A as bodyweight grows, like a curve that approaches a ceiling. The IPF fitted the curve to its own competition results, so the denominator approximates the expected result of a top lifter at that bodyweight. Dividing by it and multiplying by 100 puts world-class performances near 100 points.

Worked example

Inputs: male, bodyweight 83 kg, classic powerlifting total 600 kg.
Exponent: −0.00921 × 83 = −0.76443, and e^(−0.76443) ≈ 0.46560.
B × 0.46560 = 1025.18162 × 0.46560 ≈ 477.32.
Denominator: 1199.72839 − 477.32 ≈ 722.40.
GL points = 600 × 100 ÷ 722.40 ≈ 83.06.

Each point is the calculator re-run with only “Total or bench result (kg)” changed; the gold point is the default example. Change the inputs above and this chart follows your numbers.

Total or bench result (kg)	GL points
150	20.76
300	41.53
450	62.29
600	83.06
750	103.82
900	124.58
1,200	166.11

How to read the result

Higher is better. Scores near 100 or above are at the level of international podium lifters; club and national-level lifters typically score well below that. The most useful comparison is with yourself over time or with other lifters in the same event, sex and equipment category.

Common mistakes

Choosing the wrong event: an equipped total scored with classic coefficients gives an inflated number.
Entering a single lift other than the bench press; the formula is only defined for the total and the bench.
Using pounds; both bodyweight and result must be in kilograms.
Comparing GL points with Wilks or DOTS scores; the scales are different.

Keep in mind: GL points are a ranking tool fitted to IPF competition data. They do not measure health, fitness or talent, and they may be less reliable at the extremes of bodyweight, where fewer data points exist.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good GL score?

It depends on your level and category, but the score is built so that elite international results cluster around 100. Any steady rise over months is a sign of real progress.

How is GL different from Wilks or DOTS?

All three divide a result by a bodyweight curve. GL uses a different curve shape, separate coefficients for each event, and was fitted to more recent IPF data.

Sources: International Powerlifting Federation, IPF GL Coefficients (2020)

Checked 8 Nov 2026. IPF GL Coefficients (2020).

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