In the world of powerlifting, comparing performances across different weight classes has always been a challenge. Athletes with different body weights can lift vastly different amounts, making it nearly impossible to determine fairly who is the strongest overall. That’s where formulas like the DOTS score come in. Designed to level the playing field, DOTS offers a consistent and scientifically sound method for evaluating lifters across all body weights.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
The DOTS (Dynamic Objective Team Scoring) formula is used in powerlifting to compare the strength of athletes across all weight classes. By using a mathematical formula, DOTS adjusts for body weight, enabling fairer assessments of who is the “strongest” pound-for-pound. It’s currently favored over older systems like Wilks for its improved accuracy and relevancy. In most modern competitions, DOTS scores are used to determine best overall lifters.
What Is the DOTS Score?
The DOTS score stands for Dynamic Objective Team Scoring, and it’s a formula used primarily in the sport of powerlifting to quantify a lifter’s total performance relative to their body weight. This allows for lifters in different weight classes to be compared fairly and objectively.
When an athlete competes, their total (the sum of their best squat, bench press, and deadlift attempts) is run through the DOTS formula along with their body weight. The result is a single number—the DOTS score. This score can then be used to determine rankings, awards, and team placements in meets where lifters of different classes are involved.
The DOTS formula has become increasingly popular, especially in raw powerlifting federations like the USPA (United States Powerlifting Association) and others worldwide, replacing older formulas like the Wilks coefficient.
Why Was DOTS Developed?
Before DOTS, most powerlifting competitions used either the Wilks formula or the Glossbrenner formula to compare lifters across weight classes. However, these formulas were created using data that, over time, became outdated or statistically inappropriate for current training and competition standards.
The DOTS formula was introduced as an evidence-based, data-driven response to these concerns. By using a newer and more robust dataset, DOTS provides a fairer representation of strength per body weight with a better fit for modern powerlifting performances.
- Wilks Formula: Developed in the late 20th century and widely used but began to show bias for certain weight classes.
- Glossbrenner Formula: Older and simpler, but limited in applicability.
- DOTS: Newer, fairer, and more accurately reflects lifter performance across all classes using current data.
How Is the DOTS Score Calculated?
The DOTS score calculation uses the lifter’s body weight and total lifted weight. The formula applies a coefficiency derived from recent statistical analyses to produce a normalized score.
The general equation looks something like this:
DOTS = Total × Coefficient(body weight)
The coefficient is based on a polynomial curve fitted from thousands of real-world powerlifting results. Although the exact polynomial constants vary by version and gender (separate formulas for men and women), the formula intends to ensure that no weight class has an inherent advantage or disadvantage.
This makes DOTS more mathematically precise and resistant to manipulation or bias in scoring.
Why Is DOTS Considered an Improvement?
The shift from Wilks to DOTS came with several major advantages. Here’s why DOTS is often regarded as the superior scoring method:
- Updated Data: DOTS is based on more recent, comprehensive competition results.
- Modern Lifters: Reflects the current state of the sport, including raw lifting standards.
- Balanced Performance: Produces fewer anomalies where extremely light or heavy lifters dominate scoring unfairly.
- Separate Formulas: Tailored separately for men and women to more accurately account for physiological differences.
Because of these improvements, DOTS has quickly become the gold standard for lifter comparison in many federations and meets.
Using DOTS in Competitions
In practice, lifters don’t need to know the math behind DOTS to compete under its system. Event organizers or scoring software calculate DOTS scores instantly when totals and body weights are entered. In meets where “Best Lifter” awards are given—which span across multiple weight classes—DOTS scores are the main determining factor.
Here’s a typical scenario of how DOTS is used:
- Two lifters from different weight classes both achieve high totals.
- Lifter A totals 650 kg at 90 kg bodyweight.
- Lifter B totals 600 kg at 70 kg bodyweight.
- DOTS is calculated for both; Lifter B may score higher due to superior strength ratio.
This allows for a more transparent and competitive measure of strength that rewards both absolute weight lifted and relative strength.
How DOTS Compares to Wilks and Other Systems
To understand the benefit of DOTS further, it helps to compare it in practical terms to the Wilks formula, which it has largely replaced.
| Metric | Wilks | DOTS |
|---|---|---|
| Data Source | Older, outdated competition data | Recent databases of results |
| Accuracy | Good, but biased toward certain classes | Higher, more balanced across classes |
| Use Case | Most federations until 2019 | Preferred by modern federations |
| Gender-Specific Models | Single formula for all | Customized formulas for men and women |
Limitations of DOTS
Although the DOTS system greatly improves fairness, it’s not entirely without criticism or limitations. Understanding these helps put its usefulness into perspective.
- Dynamic Basis: As new data emerges, the formula may need periodic updates to stay relevant.
- Not Adjusted for Age: DOTS does not account for age groups or masters-level lifters. Other formulas like IPF’s Points system add this layer.
- Limited for Non-Powerlifting Sports: While effective in powerlifting, DOTS may not translate well for strongman or Olympic lifting.
Where Is DOTS Used?
Many federations and events, especially those hosting raw (unequipped) lifting contests, have adopted DOTS as their scoring formula. Examples include:
- USPA (United States Powerlifting Association)
- WRPF (World Raw Powerlifting Federation)
- Pro-level competitions such as WRPF Showdown and hybrid meets
For drug-tested federations, like USAPL or IPF, slightly different formulas such as IPF Points are often used, although DOTS may still appear as a secondary metric.
Conclusion: What DOTS Means to the Sport
The introduction of the DOTS formula has marked a significant step forward in competitive fairness in powerlifting. It allows for a more accurate comparison across lifters of different body weights and eliminates much of the bias seen in older scoring methods like Wilks. As the sport continues to evolve, so too will the tools used to evaluate athletes. DOTS is currently the best candidate for that purpose and is likely to remain a fixture in powerlifting competitions for years to come.
If you’re an aspiring or active lifter, understanding your DOTS score can help set realistic goals and measure your progress accurately—no matter your weight class.