Barbell Plate Calculator
Enter the weight you want to lift and see exactly which plates to load on each side of the bar. Works with kg and lb plates, custom bar weights, and whatever plates your gym has available.
Calculator
Load on each side
1 × 25 kg + 1 × 15 kg
Total on the bar: 100 kg including the 20 kg bar.
How barbell plate math works
Plates always load in pairs — one on each side of the bar — so the calculation is: subtract the bar weight from your target weight, then divide by two to get the weight per side. Load the heaviest plates first, closest to the bar collars, and work down to the smallest.
For example, to lift 152.5 kg with a standard 20 kg bar: (152.5 − 20) ÷ 2 = 66.25 kg per side. That is two 25 kg plates, one 15 kg plate and one 1.25 kg plate on each side.
Standard plate sets
Most gyms stock these plate denominations. If yours is missing a size (many home gyms have no 1.25 kg or 2.5 lb plates), toggle it off in the calculator above.
| Metric (kg) | Pounds (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 | 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5 |
| Standard bar: 20 kg | Standard bar: 45 lbs |
Not sure what weight to aim for? Estimate your one rep max with the 1RM calculator and work from your training percentages.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate which plates to put on a barbell?
Subtract the bar weight from your target weight, divide the result by two to get the weight per side, then load the heaviest plates first. For example, for 100 kg with a 20 kg bar: (100 − 20) ÷ 2 = 40 kg per side, which is one 25 kg and one 15 kg plate on each side.
How much does a standard barbell weigh?
A standard Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg (about 45 lbs). Women's Olympic bars weigh 15 kg (about 33 lbs), and many gyms also have lighter technique bars. If you are unsure, check the end cap of the bar or ask gym staff, then set the bar weight in the calculator.
What plate sizes do gyms usually have?
Metric gyms typically stock 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 kg plates. Gyms with pound plates typically stock 45, 35, 25, 10, 5 and 2.5 lb plates. You can toggle any plate size off in the calculator if your gym does not have it.
Why can't I load my exact target weight?
The smallest total increment you can add to a bar is twice your smallest plate, because plates load in pairs. With 1.25 kg plates the bar loads in 2.5 kg steps; with 2.5 lb plates it loads in 5 lb steps. When your target falls between steps, the calculator shows the closest weight below it and how far short that is.
Does this calculator work in both kg and lbs?
Yes. Switch between kg and lbs at the top of the calculator. Each unit has its own standard plate set and bar weight, and you can customize both.
Skip the mental math mid-workout
The Hardy app has this plate calculator built into the workout tracker — tap any barbell set and see exactly what to load, using your own plates and bar. It also handles progression, suggested weights, and rest timers.
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/r/HardyApp