Federation rules · Parent: WPC
APF Rules
The APF is the US affiliate of the World Powerlifting Congress and contests four equipment divisions, from Raw through Multi-Ply, the gear it is best known for. The APF and WPC are untested; their drug-tested counterparts are the AAPF in the US and the AWPC internationally. Best Lifter is scored on the Glossbrenner formula.
- US affiliate of the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC)
- Untested; its tested counterpart is the AAPF (international AWPC)
Updated
APF overview: meets, lifters and where it competes →
Weight classes
Bodyweight categories the federation contests separately for record purposes.
Men
| Class (kg) | Class (lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | 115 | |
| 56 | 123 | |
| 60 | 132 | |
| 67.5 | 149 | |
| 75 | 165 | |
| 82.5 | 182 | |
| 90 | 198 | |
| 100 | 220 | |
| 110 | 243 | |
| 125 | 276 | |
| 140 | 309 | |
| 140+ | 309+ |
Women
| Class (kg) | Class (lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 97 | |
| 48 | 106 | |
| 52 | 115 | |
| 56 | 123 | |
| 60 | 132 | |
| 67.5 | 149 | |
| 75 | 165 | |
| 82.5 | 182 | |
| 90 | 198 | |
| 90+ | 198+ |
Age divisions
Each division is its own record category at the federation level.
| Division | Age range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open | 13 and upwards | |
| Teenage 13-15 | 13 through 15 | |
| Teenage 16-17 | 16 through 17 | |
| Teenage 18-19 | 18 through 19 | |
| Junior | 20 through 23 | |
| Sub Master | 33 through 39 | |
| Master 1 | 40 through 44 | Masters continue in 5-year bands through Master 9 (80 and upwards). |
| Master 2 | 45 through 49 | |
| Master 3 | 50 through 54 | |
| Master 4 | 55 through 59 | |
| Master 5 | 60 through 64 | |
| Master 6 | 65 through 69 | |
| Master 7 | 70 through 74 | |
| Master 8 | 75 through 79 | |
| Master 9 | 80 and upwards |
Equipment categories
Separate record lines are kept for each equipment category the federation tracks.
-
Raw · records tracked
A non-supportive single-ply singlet with an undershirt and belt; wrist wraps are the only wraps allowed (up to 1 m long, 8 cm wide). No knee wraps.
-
Classic Raw · records tracked
The same as Raw, with knee wraps up to 2.5 m and elbow wraps (squat and deadlift) added. Recognized in full power only.
-
Single Ply · records tracked
A single-ply polyester suit, single-ply briefs, and a closed-back single-ply bench shirt, with wrist and knee wraps and a belt.
-
Multi-Ply · records tracked
A multi-ply lifting suit, undershirt, bench shirt, and briefs with no ply limit, plus wrist wraps (up to 1 m), knee wraps (up to 2.5 m), and elbow wraps. The most permissive equipment division and the one the APF is best known for.
Drug-testing policy
The split between tested and untested is by federation, not by division within a meet. The APF (and the international WPC) is untested. Its drug-tested counterparts are the AAPF in the US and the AWPC internationally; lifters qualify for AWPC Worlds by placing at AAPF Nationals. Testing for the tested bodies follows the separate AAPF/AWPC anti-doping rules, which the WPC technical rulebook does not reproduce.
Records distinguish tested from untested: Yes.
Untested records are kept under the APF and WPC; tested records are kept under the AAPF and AWPC.
Reference materials
The federation's own published documents this page is sourced from.
Weight class FAQs
What are the APF men's weight classes?
The APF men's weight classes are 52, 56, 60, 67.5, 75, 82.5, 90, 100, 110, 125, 140, and 140+ kg.
What are the APF women's weight classes?
The APF women's weight classes are 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 67.5, 75, 82.5, 90, and 90+ kg.