Barbell Plate Calculator
See which plates to load on each side of the barbell to reach a target weight.
About the Barbell Plate Calculator
Enter the total weight you want to lift and the bar weight, in kilograms or pounds. The calculator lists the plates for each side, largest first, and tells you if your target can't be made exactly with standard plates.
Subtract the bar, halve the remainder and load the largest plates first. Olympic bars weigh 20 kg (men's) or 15 kg (women's); standard US bars weigh 45 lb. Kilogram plates used here: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 kg; pound plates: 45, 35, 25, 10, 5 and 2.5 lb.
The formula
Per side = (target − bar) ÷ 2, filled with the largest plates first
Worked example
100 kg on a 20 kg bar
- (100 − 20) ÷ 2 = 40 kg per side
- Load 25 + 15 kg on each side
- In pounds, 225 lb on a 45 lb bar: 90 lb per side, so 45 + 45
Things to keep in mind
- Assumes you have every plate size in pairs. If a size is missing, make it up from smaller plates.
- Collars are not counted; add their weight to the bar if you use heavy competition collars.
Questions people ask
Why can't I hit my exact weight?
With 1.25 kg (or 2.5 lb) as the smallest plate, totals step by 2.5 kg (5 lb).
Does the collar count?
Competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each; include them by raising the bar weight to 25 kg.
How much does a gym bar weigh?
Usually 20 kg or 45 lb for a standard Olympic bar. Shorter technique bars and EZ curl bars weigh much less, often 7–12 kg.