Barbell Plate Calculator
Work out which plates to load on each side of the barbell to hit a target weight, in kilograms or pounds, with your available plates.
For general information only — not medical advice. Results are estimates; talk to a doctor or qualified health professional about your own health.
How to use
- 1Enter the target total weight and the bar weight.
- 2Adjust the list of plates you have — the heaviest plates are used first.
How it's calculated
Weight per side = (target − bar) ÷ 2. Plates are chosen greedily from heaviest to lightest.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Olympic bar weigh?
A men's Olympic bar is 20 kg (about 44 lb, often rounded to 45 lb); a women's bar is 15 kg (33–35 lb).
What if the weight can't be made exactly?
The calculator shows the closest weight below your target with the plates you have, and the difference.
Should I include collars?
Competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each. Add them to the bar weight if you use them.