How is a lifter's total score calculated in a powerlifting competition?

In a powerlifting competition, a lifter's total score is calculated by taking the sum of the best successful lifts in each of the three lift categories: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. This total score reflects the lifter's maximum performance in each discipline and provides a clear indication of their overall strength across the three lifts. Each lift must meet the technical criteria set by the competition's rules in order to be considered successful, and only these successful lifts contribute to the total score.

This method ensures that the lifter's total score accurately represents their best performance in each category, making it a straightforward and fair way to compare lifters against one another. The focus on the best lifts rather than average attempts or total weight lifted in all attempts helps emphasize the importance of achieving successful lifts while adhering to the competition standards.