Barbell Plates Calculator

Calculate the optimal plate combination for your barbell. Visual plate loading guide for any target weight.

Total weight including the barbell

Example Inputs

Try these example values:

  • Bench Press: 100kg total with 20kg Olympic barbell
  • Squat: 140kg total with 20kg Olympic barbell
  • Deadlift: 180kg total with 20kg Olympic barbell

Barbell Plate Loading Results

Enter your target weight and available plates above to calculate the optimal plate loading.

Total Weight

0

Barbell + Plates

Plates Per Side

Plate Weight Count Total Weight

What This Means

This is the optimal plate configuration for your target weight. Load the plates on each side of the barbell in the order shown, with the heaviest plates closest to the center.

Related Calculators

Understanding Barbell Plate Loading

How to Load a Barbell Properly

Proper barbell loading is important for both safety and efficiency in the gym. Here are some key principles to follow:

  • Heaviest Plates First: Always load the heaviest plates closest to the center of the barbell. This provides better stability and balance.
  • Symmetrical Loading: Load the same plates on both sides of the barbell to maintain balance.
  • Secure with Collars: Always use barbell collars or clips to secure the plates, especially for heavy lifts or dynamic movements.
  • Check Your Math: Double-check your calculations to ensure you're lifting the weight you intend to.

Common Barbell Types and Weights

Different types of barbells have different weights:

  • Standard Olympic Barbell: 20kg (44lbs) - The most common barbell in commercial gyms, used for most lifts.
  • Women's Olympic Barbell: 15kg (33lbs) - Slightly shorter and thinner than the standard Olympic barbell.
  • Technique Barbell: 10kg (22lbs) - Used for learning Olympic lifting techniques or by beginners.
  • Powerlifting Barbell: 20kg (44lbs) - Similar to the Olympic barbell but with different knurling patterns.
  • EZ Curl Bar: Typically 10-15kg (22-33lbs) - Used primarily for bicep and tricep exercises.
  • Trap/Hex Bar: Typically 20-25kg (44-55lbs) - Used primarily for deadlifts and shrugs.
  • Safety Squat Bar: Typically 25-30kg (55-66lbs) - Used for squats with reduced shoulder mobility requirements.

Standard Plate Colors and Weights

In competition settings and many commercial gyms, weight plates follow a standard color coding:

  • Red: 25kg (55lbs)
  • Blue: 20kg (45lbs)
  • Yellow: 15kg (35lbs)
  • Green: 10kg (25lbs)
  • White: 5kg (10lbs)
  • Red (small): 2.5kg (5lbs)
  • Blue (small): 2kg (4.4lbs)
  • Yellow (small): 1.5kg (3.3lbs)
  • Green (small): 1kg (2.2lbs)
  • White (small): 0.5kg (1.1lbs)

Note that not all gyms follow this color coding, and some may use different colors or have plates with no specific color scheme.

Tips for Efficient Barbell Loading

  • Plan Ahead: Know what weights you'll be using for each set to minimize plate changes.
  • Use Larger Plates When Possible: It's more efficient to use fewer, larger plates than many smaller ones.
  • Consider Warm-up Sets: Plan your plate progression for warm-up sets to minimize plate changes.
  • Communicate with Training Partners: If sharing a barbell, coordinate plate changes to minimize work.
  • Return Plates to Their Racks: Always return plates to their proper storage locations when finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the barbell plates calculator?

Enter your target weight (including the barbell), select your barbell weight, check the plates available to you, and click Calculate. The calculator will show you the optimal plate configuration for each side of the barbell.

What if my target weight isn't possible with the available plates?

The calculator will find the closest possible weight that can be achieved with your available plates and show you that configuration instead. It will also display a message indicating the difference between your target weight and the achievable weight.

Why does the calculator show plates per side instead of total plates?

Barbell loading is typically described in terms of plates per side because you load the same plates on both sides of the barbell for balance. The total number of plates used would be twice what's shown per side.

How do I know if my barbell is 20kg or 45lbs?

Standard Olympic barbells are 20kg, which is approximately 44lbs. Some gyms in the US may label them as 45lbs for simplicity. If you're unsure, you can weigh the barbell or check with gym staff. Women's Olympic barbells are typically 15kg (33lbs).

What's the difference between kg and lbs plates?

Kilogram (kg) plates are used in Olympic weightlifting and most international settings, while pound (lbs) plates are common in the United States. The standard weights and increments differ between the two systems. Our calculator supports both units and will calculate the appropriate plate loading based on your selection.