Training

Calculate barbell plates

Enter your target weight and choose the bar and the plates you own. The calculator shows what goes on each side, using as few plates as possible.

kglb
Bar weight (kg)
Available plates (kg)

It is assumed you have enough pairs of every plate you tick.

Bar weight (lb)
Available plates (lb)

It is assumed you have enough pairs of every plate you tick.

Your inputs stay in your browser and are never sent anywhere.

How it works

First the bar is subtracted from the target weight. The rest is halved, because both sides must weigh the same. For that weight per side, the calculator looks for the combination with the fewest plates from the ones you ticked.

If your plates cannot reach the target exactly, the calculator names the next lighter and the next heavier weight you can load and shows the loading for the lighter one. When you switch to lb, typical pound plates and bars of 45 or 35 lb apply.

Collars are not counted. Competition collars usually weigh 2.5 kg each, simple spring collars hardly anything. If you train with heavy collars, subtract their weight from the target first.

Formula and source

Weight per side = (target weight - bar) / 2 Plates: combination with the fewest plates, heaviest first

Simple arithmetic, not an estimate. Whether a bar weighs 20, 15 or 10 kg is usually printed on the sleeve; standard men's barbells weigh 20 kg, women's 15 kg.

Frequently asked questions

The Olympic men's bar weighs 20 kg, the women's bar 15 kg, and technique or youth bars are often 10 kg. In US gyms 45 lb is common. EZ-curl bars and dumbbells weigh much less, so if in doubt check the label or weigh it.

Because both sides must weigh the same, you can only change the weight in steps of twice the smallest plate. With 1.25 kg plates that is 2.5 kg. If small plates are missing, the steps get bigger, and the calculator shows the closest possible weight below and above.

Not in the calculator. Spring collars weigh hardly anything. Competition collars usually weigh 2.5 kg each, so 5 kg together. Subtract that from your target weight before you calculate.

Almost. 45 lb is about 20.4 kg. That is why the calculator uses its own pound plates and bars in lb mode instead of converted kilo values, just like the ones that actually hang in pound gyms.

All results are estimates and do not replace advice from a doctor or dietitian.

Related calculators

One rep max calculator 1RM using Epley and Brzycki, plus a percentage table. RPE and RIR chart Manage effort with reps in reserve. Training volume calculator Count hard sets per muscle per week.