Barbell Plate Calculator (lb and kg)

How the math works

Subtract the bar from the total, then split what's left in half. That's the weight for each side. Load the heaviest plates first, then fill in with smaller ones.

If your plates can't make the exact number, the calculator shows the closest weight under it. Most gyms don't have plates smaller than 2.5 lb, so totals usually go up in 5 lb steps.

Common barbell weights

On a 45 lb bar, or a 20 kg bar if you lift in kg.

Pounds, 45 lb bar
Total	Plates per side
95 lb	25
135 lb	45
185 lb	45, 25
225 lb	45, 45
275 lb	45, 45, 25
315 lb	45, 45, 45
405 lb	45, 45, 45, 45

Kilograms, 20 kg bar
Total	Plates per side
40 kg	10
60 kg	20
80 kg	20, 10
100 kg	20, 20
120 kg	20, 20, 10
140 kg	20, 20, 20
180 kg	20, 20, 20, 20

When people say one plate, two plates or three plates, they mean 45 lb plates per side. That's 135, 225 and 315 lb.

How much does the bar weigh?

A standard Olympic barbell weighs 45 lb, or 20 kg. Many gyms also have a 35 lb or 15 kg bar with a thinner grip, and some have a 15 lb or 10 kg technique bar for learning the lifts.

EZ curl bars are usually around 25 lb, and Smith machine bars vary a lot by machine. If you're not sure, ask the front desk or check the label on the end of the bar.

Questions

Does the bar count toward the weight?

Yes. When someone says they bench 135, that includes the 45 lb bar. This calculator works the same way, so enter the total.

How much is two plates?

Two 45 lb plates per side on a 45 lb bar, which is 225 lb in total.

Why can't I make the exact weight?

Your gym's plates set the smallest step. With 2.5 lb plates as the smallest, the total goes up in 5 lb steps, because a plate goes on each side.

Should I count collars?

Usually not. Spring clips weigh almost nothing. Competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each, so count them if your gym uses them.

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