Anything from Strength sports to powerlifting, comparing athletes according to weight class is tough. The DOTS Score calculator makes the system easier for coaches, lifters, and competition organizers.
What is the DOTS Score?
The DOTS score, created by Tim Garrett in 2015, is a special formula that helps compare powerlifters of different weights and genders. It makes things fair by allowing everyone to be judged equally, helping to decide who is the best overall lifter in a competition.
Key points about DOTS:
- Stands for Dynamic Objective Team Scoring
- Measures the amount of weight lifted relative to the lifter’s body weight
- Considers physiological differences across weight ranges
- Provides a single, easy-to-understand number for comparison
The DOTS Formula Explained
The DOTS formula might look complex, but understanding its components is crucial for anyone serious about powerlifting. Here’s the breakdown:
DOTS Score = (Total Weight Lifted * 500) / (a + bx + cx^2 + dx^3 + ex^4)Where:
- Total Weight Lifted = Sum of best squat, bench press, and deadlift
- x = Body weight in kg
- a, b, c, d, e = Coefficients that vary based on gender
For men: a = -307.75076, b = 24.0900756, c = -0.1918759221, d = 0.0007391293, e = -0.000001093
For women: a = -57.96288, b = 13.6175032, c = -0.1126655495, d = 0.0005158568, e = -0.0000010706
How to Calculate Your DOTS Score
Follow these steps to calculate your DOTS score:
- Weigh yourself in kilograms (kg)
- Perform your best squat, bench press, and deadlift
- Add these three lifts together to get your total
- Use a DOTS calculator or the formula to determine your score
Example:
- Lifter’s body weight: 75kg
- Squat: 180kg
- Bench Press: 120kg
- Deadlift: 220kg
- Total: 520kg
Using a DOTS calculator, this lifter’s DOTS score would be approximately 357.62.
DOTS Score Calculator: Tools and Resources
To make calculating your DOTS score easier, several tools are available:
- Mobile Apps:
- “DOTS Score Calculator” on Google Play
- “Powerlifting DOTS Calculator” on the App Store
- Websites
- Spreadsheets:
- Create your own Excel or Google Sheets DOTS calculator
When choosing a DOTS calculator, look for features like:
Comparison tools
User-friendly interface
Option to input weights in pounds or kilograms
History tracking
What is the DOTS Score?
The DOTS score, created by Tim Garrett in 2015, is a special formula that helps compare powerlifters of different weights and genders. It makes things fair by allowing everyone to be judged equally, helping to decide who is the best overall lifter in a competition.
Key points about DOTS:
- Stands for Dynamic Objective Team Scoring
- Measures the amount of weight lifted relative to the lifter’s body weight
- Considers physiological differences across weight ranges
- Provides a single, easy-to-understand number for comparison
The DOTS Formula Explained
The DOTS formula might look complex, but understanding its components is crucial for anyone serious about powerlifting. Here’s the breakdown:
DOTS Score = (Total Weight Lifted * 500) / (a + bx + cx^2 + dx^3 + ex^4)Where:
- Total Weight Lifted = Sum of best squat, bench press, and deadlift
- x = Body weight in kg
- a, b, c, d, e = Coefficients that vary based on gender
For men: a = -307.75076, b = 24.0900756, c = -0.1918759221, d = 0.0007391293, e = -0.000001093
For women: a = -57.96288, b = 13.6175032, c = -0.1126655495, d = 0.0005158568, e = -0.0000010706
How to Calculate Your DOTS Score
Follow these steps to calculate your DOTS score:
- Weigh yourself in kilograms (kg)
- Perform your best squat, bench press, and deadlift
- Add these three lifts together to get your total
- Use a DOTS calculator or the formula to determine your score
Example:
- Lifter’s body weight: 75kg
- Squat: 180kg
- Bench Press: 120kg
- Deadlift: 220kg
- Total: 520kg
Using a DOTS calculator, this lifter’s DOTS score would be approximately 357.62.
DOTS Score Calculator: Tools and Resources
To make calculating your DOTS score easier, several tools are available:
- Mobile Apps:
- “DOTS Score Calculator” on Google Play
- “Powerlifting DOTS Calculator” on the App Store
- Websites
- Spreadsheets:
- Create your own Excel or Google Sheets DOTS calculator
When choosing a DOTS calculator, look for features like:
- User-friendly interface
- Option to input weights in pounds or kilograms
- History tracking
- Comparison tools
The History and Development of DOTS
The DOTS formula was developed by Tim Garrett in 2015 as an improvement over existing scoring systems. Key points in its history include: Inspired by the need for a more accurate comparison system across all weight classes Developed using a large dataset of powerlifting performances Refined through statistical analysis and real-world testing Gained rapid adoption in various powerlifting federations Continues to be evaluated and potentially refined based on new data
Advantages of the DOTS Scoring System
The DOTS system offers several benefits over traditional methods:
- Fairness: Allows meaningful comparisons between lifters of different weights and genders
- Accuracy: Accounts for physiological differences across weight ranges
- Simplicity: Provides a single, easy-to-understand number
- Versatility: It is used for both competition scoring and personal progress tracking
- Motivation: Encourages lifters to improve relative strength, not just absolute weight lifted
Improving Your DOTS Score
To increase your DOTS score:
- Focus on relative strength: Improve your total lifted weight without increasing body weight
- Perfect your technique: Better form can lead to heavier lifts
- Strategic weight management: Find your optimal weight class for the best strength-to-weight ratio
- Consistent training: Regular, structured workouts will improve your lifts over time
- Proper nutrition: Fuel your body for optimal performance and recovery
DOTS vs. Other Powerlifting Scoring Systems
While DOTS is gaining popularity, it’s not the only scoring system in powerlifting. Here’s how it compares to other methods:
- Wilks Formula:
- The older system, still widely used
- DOTS is more accurate across a wider range of body weights
- IPF GL Points:
- Used in International Powerlifting Federation competitions
- Similar to DOTS in accuracy, but with a different calculation method
- Glossbrenner:
- Less commonly used
- DOTS is generally preferred in updated coefficients
DOTS vs. Other Powerlifting Scoring Systems
While DOTS is gaining popularity, it’s not the only scoring system in powerlifting. Here’s how it compares to other methods:
- Wilks Formula:
- The older system, still widely used
- DOTS is more accurate across a wider range of body weights
- IPF GL Points:
- Used in International Powerlifting Federation competitions
- Similar to DOTS in accuracy, but with a different calculation method
- Glossbrenner:
- Less commonly used
- DOTS is generally preferred for its updated coefficients
DOTS Score Benchmarks
While DOTS scores can vary widely based on factors like age, experience, and genetics, here are some general benchmarks: 200-300: Novice to Intermediate 300-400: Intermediate to Advanced 400-500: Advanced to Elite 500+: World-Class
FAQs
Q1: Is a higher DOTS score always better?
Yes, a higher DOTS score indicates a greater strength-to-weight ratio.
Q2: How often should I calculate my DOTS score?
A2: It’s best to calculate after competitions or max-out sessions. Frequent calculations can be discouraging as progress takes time.
Q3: Can DOTS be used for single lifts?
While DOTS is designed for total lifts, some calculators allow for single-lift calculations. These aren’t official but can be useful for personal tracking.
Q4: Does DOTS favor certain body types?
DOTS is designed to be as fair as possible across all body weights, but like any system, it’s not perfect. It’s generally considered more balanced than older systems.
Q5: Is DOTS used in all powerlifting competitions?
While DOTS is very popular, some competitions still use other systems like Wilks or IPF Points. Always check the specific rules of your competition.
Q6: Is DOTS used for raw and equipped lifting?
Yes, DOTS is used for both raw and equipped lifting, though some argue that separate coefficients might be more accurate.
Q7: How does age factor into DOTS scores?
The standard DOTS formula doesn’t account for age. Some federations use age-adjusted variants for masters or youth competitions.
Q8: Are there any plans to update the DOTS formula?
As of now, there are no official plans to update DOTS, but the powerlifting community continuously evaluates its effectiveness.
Q9: How can I use DOTS to set realistic goals?
Look at the DOTS scores of lifters at your experience level and slightly above. Set incremental goals to improve your score over time.
