The back squat is a primary indicator of strength in powerlifting. This page provides performance benchmarks by gender, weight class, and equipment division. Whether you lift raw or equipped, these standards help define your training level and meet-readiness across Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Elite categories.
All numbers assume a full competition-standard squat with proper depth and control. These are realistic, real-world standards based on what we’ve seen across tested and non-tested meets at the local, regional, and national levels.
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 raps, elbow sleeves, and knee sleeves allowed. No knee wraps and no squat suit.
Raw with Wraps – Belt, wrist raps, elbow sleeves, and knee wraps allowed. No squat suit.
Single-Ply – Belt, wrist raps, elbow sleeves, and knee wraps are allowed. Single ply with compression squat suit allowed.
Multi-Ply – All the above are allowed, with the addition of multi-layered squat suits and reinforced gear designed for greater rebound and support.
Unlimited – No restrictions on supportive equipment. Includes squat briefs, canvas suits, extreme wraps, adjustable monolift setups, and any combination of gear permitted by that federations.
Related Links
- Powerlifting Performance Standards
- Powerlifting Performance Standards for Bench Press
- Powerlifting Performance Standards for Deadlift
- Powerlifting Performance Standards for Powerlifting Total
- Powerlifting Events
- Apply for Coaching
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