Powerlifting at the 2016 Summer Paralympics was held at Riocentro from September, with a maximum of 180 athletes (100 men and 80 women), competing in 20 events.

According to the classification rules of the International Federation for Powerlifting athletes which cannot participate in weightlifting events because of a physical impairment affecting their legs or hips are deemed eligible to compete in powerlifting events at the Paralympics.

There are twenty powerlifting events, corresponding to ten weight classes each for men and women.

The bulk of the quota places will be decided by reference to the IPC Powerlifting Rankings on 29 February 2016.

Subject to a quota limit of one place per National Paralympic Committee, the top 8 ranked male, and top 6 ranked female athletes in each weight division will gain a quota place for their NPC.