CALCULATOR 17
Barbell Plate Calculator
Which plates to put on each side of the bar for the weight you want.
Each side
Enter the weight you want on the bar.
For general information only; not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before making health decisions.
How this is calculated
Per side
Per side = (target − bar) ÷ 2 Fill from the heaviest plate down
Plates
kg: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 lb: 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5
Collars aren't counted. Competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each; most gym spring clips weigh almost nothing.
Sources
- International Powerlifting Federation, Technical Rules Book: bar, plate and collar specifications.
About the barbell plate calculator
How to load a bar
Subtract the bar, halve what's left, and build each side from the heaviest plate down. Heavy plates go on first, closest to the centre, so the load sits evenly and the bar is easier to unload. With standard plates this gives the fewest plates possible.
Read more about the Plate Loader calculator
Bar weights
A men's Olympic bar weighs 20 kg (44 lb) and a women's bar 15 kg (33 lb). In the US a standard bar is often counted as 45 lb. Trap bars, safety squat bars and EZ curl bars vary a lot, so check the bar or weigh it, and enter its weight.
Frequently asked questions
How many plates for 100 kg?
On a 20 kg bar, 40 kg per side: one 25 kg and one 15 kg plate, or two 20s.
How many plates for 225 lb?
On a 45 lb bar, 90 lb per side: two 45 lb plates.
Why can't I load my exact weight?
The smallest kg plate is 1.25 kg, so loads go up in 2.5 kg steps (5 lb with 2.5 lb plates). The calculator shows the nearest weight above and below.