Barbell Plate Calculator
Enter a target weight and bar weight to see exactly which plates to load on each side.
How to use the barbell plate calculator
- Choose kg or lb (the bar defaults to 20 kg / 45 lb).
- Enter your target total weight and adjust the bar if needed.
- Click Calculate to see the plates per side.
Loading efficiently
Always load the heaviest plates first, closest to the collar, then add smaller plates outward. The calculator lists plates in that order.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a standard barbell weigh?
A standard Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg (about 45 lb). Women's bars are 15 kg and some training bars are lighter.
Why per side?
Plates load symmetrically, so the calculator shows what goes on one side; the bar plus both loaded sides equals your target total.
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