We created an online weightlifting calculator based on Zhang’s (2011) survey of over 200 elite Chinese male weightlifters who sought to answer the question:

How do you evaluate and rank Chinese athletes in each of the weightlifting weight classes?

In this post, we’re going to share the findings and break down the steps so that you can see how you measure up!

Check out the Calculator Below! 

Summary: Ranking 223 Chinese Olympic Weightlifters

1. Zhang’s (2011) study constructed a comprehensive weightlifting point system for each of the Olympic weightlifting weight classes based on:
   • Body shape,
   • Hormonal level,
   • Athletic performance.
2. The body shape index consists of: 
   • Standing-Seated Height Index,
   • Shoulder – Waist Index,
   • Chest Size,
   • Relative Body Weight Index,
   • Body Fat %.
3. The index of hormonal levels consists of:
   • Testosterone level
   • Cortisol level.
4. The athletic performance index consists of weightlifting standards for:
   • Power snatch,
   • Power clean,
   • Push press,
   • Front squat,
   • Back squat,
   • Snatch deadlift,
   • Clean deadlift.
5. Based on these indexes, you can create a Weightlifting Point System with 6 weightlifting rankings:
   • 0 – 20 very poor,
   • 20 – 40 poor,
   • 40 – 60 average,
   • 60 – 80 good,
   • 80 – 90 very good,
   • +90 excellent.
6. The following weightlifters had the following scores out of 100: 
   • Zhang Jie (62kg Weightlifting Class): 90.67,
   • Liao Hui (69kg Weightlifting Class): 94.81,
   • Lü Xiaojun (77kg Weightlifting Class): 92.09,
   • Lü Yong (85kg Weightlifting Class): 91.67.

Weightlifting Calculator: How to find your Score

The original study determined weightlifting success is composed of body shape, hormonal level, and athletic performance:

Interestingly, body shape contributed only 12% of an athlete’s success.

Hormonal levels determined 20%.

But the biggest contributor is athletic performance (68%!).

What does this mean?

It means genetics is only part of the story and there is a substantial amount of achievement possible by improving your lifts.

This does NOT mean anyone can snatch like Lü Xiaojun.

But it means you can improve yourself substantially with proper training.

We’ll focus on body shape and athletic performance to determine weightlifting rankings because most people cannot get hormonal levels checked. So, the highest possible score is 80.

So if you want to compare yourself to the elites, just subtract 20 from their score.

Now, let’s break down the steps so that you can see how you measure up.

• Step 1: Gather your measurements
  • Seated – Standing Height Index
  • Shoulder – Waist Index
  • Chest Size
  • Relative Bodyweight Index
  • Body Fat %
• Step 2: Enter your data in our weightlifting calculator to determine your Chinese Weightlifting Score
• Step 3: Choose the weightlifting point system to identify room for improvement
  • 56kg Weightlifting Standards
  • 62kg Weightlifting Standards
  • 69kg Weightlifting Standards
  • 77kg Weightlifting Standards
  • 85kg Weightlifting Standards
  • 94kg Weightlifting Standards
  • 105kg Weightlifting Standards
  • +105kg Weightlifting Standards
• Step 4: Let us know your score!

Step 1: Gather your measurements

Seated – Standing Height Index

The researcher calculated the ranking using the entire athlete sample with the following equation:

(Seated Height / Standing Height) * 100

Standing Height (cm)

The study used a medical height meter, but you can easily measure your height by standing straight against a wall and use a pencil to mark your height. Then you can use a tape measurer to calculate your height. We recommend measuring your height about 1 – 2 hours after waking up.

Seated Height (cm)

The study used a medical height meter, but you can easily measure your height by sitting upright with your back against a wall. Sit on a box or stool that allows your feet to stay flat on the ground and your hips and knees bent at 90˚.

Then use a pencil to mark your height (see image below).

Then you can use a tape measurer to calculate the length from the box to your marking. We recommend measuring your height about 1 – 2 hours after waking up.

Shoulder – Waist Index

Zhang calculated the weightlifting rankings using the entire athlete sample with the following equation:

(Iliac Width/Shoulder Width) * 100

Shoulder Width (cm)

Use a tape measurer and place it horizontally over the left and right AC joints (see image below).

Source: Ozaslan et al (2011)

If you’re by yourself, then try this tip from Healthline: “stand against a wall, reach across your left shoulder with your right hand and mark the place right above your shoulder joint.

Repeat the process on the opposite side with your opposite hand. Then use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the two markings.”

Iliac Width (cm)

Use a tape measurer and place it horizontally over the left and right ridges on the front of your hips (see image below).

Source: Ozaslan et al (2011)

Chest Size (cm)

The researcher calculated the ranking using the sample for each weight class using the following methodology:

Raise your arms, then place a measuring tape horizontally across the lower corner of the scapula, through the armpit, then place the lower edge of the tape on the upper edge of the nipple (see image below).

Keep your body relaxed and breathe naturally.

Relative Bodyweight Index

Zhang used the following equation in their weightlifting rankings for each of the weightlifting weight classes: 

Weight (Kg) / Height (Cm) × 1000

Weight (kg)

The study measured bodyweight in the morning, wearing underwear only.

We recommend weighing yourself before eating or drinking anything, and after going to the bathroom.

Body Fat (%)

The researcher calculated the weightlifting rankings for this index using the sample for each of the weightlifting weight classes.

However, the actual way to measure body fat was not clear in the study.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can find this yourself. 

You can use calipers, an electrical body fat scale, water displacement, or DEXA scan. 

Step 2: Find your Weightlifting Score with our Weightlifting Calculator

We used Zhang’s (2011) methodology to build the weightlifting calculator below.

Based on your measurements, you might get a zero score for some parts. Dont worry!

In terms of entering your 1 rep max (1RM), we recommend using the 1RM that maintains good technique. 

For example, your squat should be the heaviest squat that maintains a smooth speed, not a super slow grinding lift. 

Your power snatch should be the heaviest that you can perform without pressing out the barbell.

Since this study was conducted in 2011, it doesn’t reflect the changes in weightlifting classes by the IWF in 2018. 

If your body weight might be in between 2 Olympic weightlifting classes, use the weight class that you are closest to or the weight class you used before the change.

Select Weight Class:

56kg 62kg 69kg 77kg 85kg 94kg 105kg +105kg

Input Data:

Body Shape Total (out of 100):  =

Sport Quality Total (out of 100): =

Get Your Total Score Now!

Step 3 : Choose the Weightlifting Point System to Identify Room for Improvement

Now that you have your score, you can see whether you need to work on your body shape or sports quality (or both!).

These data will break down where you can improve.

For example, if you weigh 85kg and your snatch deadlift is 250kg, then you are in the 95th percentile for that class. 

But if you also have a 250kg back squat, then you are in the 65th percentile for that class! So you might need to camp out in the squat rack for a few weeks to improve your sports quality.

56kg Weightlifting Standards

62kg Weightlifting Standards

69kg Class Weightlifting Standards

77kg Class Weightlifting Standards

85kg Class Weightlifting Standards

94kg Class Weightlifting Standards

105kg Class Weightlifting Standards

+105kg Class Weightlifting Standards

Bonus: Weightlifting Scores from Elite Weightlifting

Want to know how you measure up to the best athletes in the world? 

Check out the weightlifting rankings below. 

We subtracted 20 points from their results so you can compare your scores with theirs.

Zhang Jie (62kg)

Zhang Jie is a Fujian weightlifter born in 1987.  He is the:

• 2011 World Champion (145kg + 176kg),
• 2010 Asian Games Champion (145kg + 176kg),
• 3-time Asian Champion,
• 2007 Junior World Champion.

Body Shape: A1 = (80 x 0.09 + 80 x 0.13 + 85 x 0.04 + 75 x 0.30 + 100 x 0.44) = 87.50 (out of 100)

Athletic Performance: A3 = (100 x 0.13 + 100 x 0.07 + 100 x 0.05 + 85 x 0.33 + 100 x 0.13 + 90 x 0.07 + 75 x 0.22) = 88.85 (out of 100)

Final Score: F = (87.50 x 0.12 + 88.85 x 0.68) = 70.92 (out of 80)

Evaluation Results: Zhang Jie has excellent body shape and athletic quality. Based on his results, he should continue to improve his body shape and focus on improving his front squat and clean deadlift.

Liao Hui (69kg)

Liao Hui is a Hubei weightlifter born in 1987. He is: 

• 2008 Olympic Champion (158kg + 190kg),
• 3 – time World Champion.

Prior to the changes in IWF weight classes in 2018, Liao Hui held the 69kg world records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total.

Body Shape: A1 = (90 x 0.09 + 80 x 0.13 + 85 x 0.04 + 75 x 0.30 + 80 x 0.44) = 79.60 (out of 100)

Athletic Performance: A3 = (100 x 0.13 + 100 x 0.07 + 100 x 0.05 + 100 x 0.33 + 100 x 0.13 + 95 x 0.07 + 100 x 0.22 ) = 99.65 (out of 100)

Final Score: F = (79.60 x 0.12 + 99.65 x 0.68) = 77.31 (out of 80)

Evaluation Results: Liao Hui has outstanding body shape and athletic performance. He simply must continue maintaining his performance and consistency at heavy weights.

Lü Xiaojun (77kg)

Lü Xiaojun is a Hubei weightlifter born in 1984. He is:

• 2012 Olympic Champion (175kg + 204kg),
• 5 – time World Champion, 2014 Asian Games Champion (175kg + 200kg),
• 2011 Asian Champion (160 + 192).

Lü Xiaojun is also a master of the squat jerk technique.

Body Shape Total: A1 = (45 x 0.09 + 45 x 0.13 + 100 x 0.04 + 50 x 0.30 + 75 x 0.44) = 61.90 (out of 100)

Athletic Performance Total: A3 = (100 x 0.13 + 100 x 0.07 + 90 x 0.05 + 100 x 0.33 + 100 x 0.13 + 100 x 0.07 + 100 x 0.22 ) = 99.5 (out of 100)

Final Score: F = (61.90 x 0.12 + 99.5 x 0.68) = 75.09 (out of 80)

Evaluation results: Lü Xiaojun has outstanding athletic performance and is almost perfectly balanced. His improvement will come from manipulating his body composition.

Lü Yong (85kg)

Lü Yong is a Guangxi weightlifter born in 1986. He is the:

• 2008 Olympic Champion (180kg + 214kg),
• 2009 World Champion (175kg + 208kg), and
• 2010 Asian Champion (173kg + 203kg).

Body Shape: A1 = (60 x 0.09 + 70 x 0.13 + 95 x 0.04 + 85 x 0.30 + 80 x 0.44) = 79.00 (out of 100)

Sports Quality: A3 = (90 x 0.13 + 100 x 0.07 + 80 x 0.05 + 90 x 0.33 + 100 x 0.13 + 100 x 0.07 + 100 x 0.22 ) = 94.40 (out of 100)

Final Score: F = (79.00 x 0.12 + 94.4 x 0.68) = 73.67 (out of 80)

Evaluation Results: Lu Yong has good body shape and outstanding athletic performance. 

Step 4: What were your results from the Weightlifting Calculator?

Now we want to hear what you and your friends found from using our weightlifting calculator!

If you were training in China, what’s your weightlifting score?

What lifts or body qualities can you improve?

Was there anything that surprised you?

Or maybe you have a question about the results?

Either way, we’d like to hear from you. So go ahead and leave a comment below right now!

Sources:

Ozaslan, Abdi, Beytullah Karadayi, Melek Ozlem Kolusayin, & Ahsen Kaya. 2011. “Stature estimation from bi-acromial and bi-iliocristal measurements.” Romanian Society of Legal Medicine. 19: 171 – 176.

Zhang, Jie. 2011. “Research on Evaluation Index System of Specific Physical Fitness of China Men’s Weightlifting Athletes.” Master’s Thesis. Chengdu Institute of Physical Education.

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