The powerlifting total is the sum of a lifter’s best squat, bench press, and deadlift performed in a single meet. This total is the most important number in powerlifting—it determines rankings, meet placements, qualification status, and progression across competitive divisions.
This page outlines total benchmarks across gender, weight class, and equipment division. Whether you lift raw or equipped, these totals provide a clear framework for identifying your strength level from Novice to Elite.
Totals are based on full meet execution under competition standards and reflect tested-level norms. The standards are built from consistent real-world data across local, regional, and national meets.
Strength Levels Defined
Novice – Less than 1 year of consistent training
Intermediate – 1 to 3 years of structured training
Advanced – Regional competitor or highly experienced gym lifter
Elite – National-level competitor or top 5 to 10 percent of lifters
Equipment Divisions
Raw (No Wraps) – Belt, wrist wraps, elbow sleeves, and knee sleeves allowed. No knee wraps or squat/ bench shirt/ deadlift suits.
Raw with Wraps – Belt, wrist wraps, elbow sleeves, and knee wraps allowed. No squat/ bench shirt/ deadlift suits.
Single-Ply – Belt, wrist wraps, elbow sleeves, knee wraps, and a single-ply squat/ bench shirt/ deadlift suit permitted.
Multi-Ply – All the above, with the addition of reinforced multi-ply gear offering increased support and rebound.
Unlimited – No restrictions on supportive equipment. Includes canvas suits, briefs, extreme wraps, and any assistive gear allowed in federations offering this division.
Related Links
- Powerlifting Performance Standards
- Powerlifting Performance Standards for Squat
- Powerlifting Performance Standards for Bench Press
- Powerlifting Performance Standards for Deadlift
- Powerlifting Events
- Apply for Coaching
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