What Is the ACFT Deadlift (MDL) Score Calculator?
This tool estimates your U.S. Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) score for the 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL) event. It applies to the United States Army ACFT standard. The MDL uses a hex/trap bar and tests lower-body and grip strength. This calculator uses the gender- and age-neutral scoring band where 140 lb earns the 60-point passing threshold and 340 lb earns the maximum 100 points, with points interpolated linearly in between.
How to Use It
Enter the heaviest weight (in pounds) you lifted for 3 controlled repetitions of the trap-bar deadlift. The calculator maps that weight onto the 0-100 ACFT point scale and tells you whether you cleared the 60-point minimum standard.
The Formula Explained
Between the 60-point and 100-point anchors, every 5 lb is worth 1 point: 200 lb of range divided by 40 points equals 5 lb per point. The score is:
$$\text{score} = \operatorname{clamp}\!\left(\operatorname{round}\!\left(60 + (\text{weight} - 140)\cdot\tfrac{40}{200}\right),0,100\right)$$Results above 100 are capped at 100, and results below 0 are floored at 0.
Worked Example
Suppose a Soldier lifts 240 lb for 3 reps. Then $$\text{score} = 60 + (240 - 140) \times 0.2 = 60 + 20 = 80 \text{ points}$$ A 340 lb lift yields the maximum 100 points; a 140 lb lift yields exactly 60 points (passing).
ACFT MDL Weight-to-Score Reference Table
The Maximum Deadlift (MDL) is scored on a linear 0–100 scale based on the heaviest weight you can lift for a 3-repetition maximum. The Army anchors the scale at two points: 140 lb = 60 points (the minimum passing score) and 340 lb = 100 points (the maximum). Every 5 pounds between these anchors is worth 1 point. The conversion uses:
$$\text{Score} = \operatorname{round}\!\left(60 + (\text{Weight} - 140) \times \frac{40}{200}\right)$$
| Deadlift Weight (lb) | ACFT Points | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 140 | 60 | Minimum passing |
| 160 | 64 | |
| 180 | 68 | |
| 200 | 72 | |
| 220 | 76 | |
| 240 | 80 | |
| 260 | 84 | |
| 280 | 88 | |
| 300 | 92 | |
| 320 | 96 | |
| 340 | 100 | Maximum score |
Weights below 140 lb score under 60 (failing), and weights above 340 lb are capped at 100 — there is no benefit beyond 340 lb for scoring purposes. As a worked example, a 250 lb deadlift gives \(60 + (250 - 140)\times\tfrac{40}{200} = 60 + 110\times0.2 = 60 + 22 = \) 82 points.
Interpreting Your MDL Score
The Maximum Deadlift is one of six events in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), alongside the Standing Power Throw (SPT), Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP), Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC), Plank (PLK), and the Two-Mile Run (2MR). Each event is scored independently on the same 0–100 scale.
- 60 points is the minimum passing score for each individual event. On the MDL this corresponds to a 140 lb 3-rep deadlift.
- 100 points is the maximum score for each event. On the MDL this corresponds to 340 lb.
- To pass the ACFT overall, a Soldier must score at least 60 points in every one of the six events — a strong score in one event cannot compensate for failing another.
- Because there are six events each worth up to 100 points, the maximum possible total is 600. A passing total is 360 points (an average of 60 per event), achieved only when all six events also individually meet the 60-point minimum.
Your MDL points feed directly into your ACFT total. To see how the deadlift combines with the other five events, enter all your results in the ACFT Score Calculator, and use the dedicated event calculators — such as the Hand-Release Push-Up, Plank, and Two-Mile Run scorers — to estimate the rest of your score.
Note: Scoring anchors and standards reflect the Army's ACFT 0–100 scale. Always confirm current requirements against official Army guidance and your unit's standards, as policies are periodically updated.
FAQ
Is the MDL score the same for all ages and genders? Yes — the ACFT moved to age- and gender-neutral scoring, so the same weight-to-points band applies to everyone.
What is the minimum passing weight? You need 140 lb for 3 reps to score the 60-point minimum on this event.
Does the weight include the bar? Yes, total weight lifted includes the hex bar plus plates.
