Barbell plate calculator
Enter your target total weight and bar weight and see which plates to load on each side. It uses standard kg plates (25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25) and loads the heaviest first.
- 25 kg
- × 1
- 15 kg
- × 1
Load each side: 1×25, 1×15.
What is Barbell Plate?
Loading a barbell means splitting the weight (minus the bar) evenly across both sides. This works out the exact plate combination per side for your target, using standard kilogram plates and loading the heaviest that fit first. The default Olympic bar is 20 kg; many gyms also have 15 kg and 10 kg bars.
How to use it
- 1Enter your target. Input the total weight you want to lift, including the bar.
- 2Pick your bar. Choose the bar you're using — 20 kg is the standard Olympic bar.
- 3Load each side. Add the listed plates to each side, heaviest first.
Barbell Plate Calculator — questions
How much does a barbell weigh?
A standard Olympic barbell is 20 kg (44 lb). Women's Olympic bars are 15 kg, and lighter training bars are often 10 kg. Always include the bar in your total.
What plates do I need for 100 kg?
On a 20 kg bar you need 40 kg per side — for example 25 + 15, or 20 + 20. This calculator shows the exact combination for any target.
Turn your number into a plan
A calculator gives you a number. Coaching turns it into a programme that adapts to your data — start with the guide and the matching programme.
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