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Barbell Plate Loading Calculator
Calculate which plates to load on each side of the barbell for any weight.
The total weight you want on the bar, including the bar itself.
The weight of your barbell. Standard Olympic bars are 45 lbs (20 kg).
Select the unit for all weight values.
About This Tool
This barbell plate loading calculator does the plate math for you instantly. Enter your target weight, select your bar, and get an exact plate-by-plate breakdown for each side. It handles both pound and kilogram plates and tells you if your target is not achievable with standard increments. Use it alongside our 1RM Calculator to find your working percentages, then load the bar with confidence.
How to Use
Enter the total weight you want on the bar (including the bar), select your bar weight, and choose your unit system. The calculator shows exactly which plates to load on each side. If your target is not perfectly achievable, it shows the nearest loadable weight. Pair with our 1RM Calculator for percentage-based training.
FAQ
What is the difference between Olympic and standard bars?
Olympic barbells weigh 45 lbs (20 kg) for men and 35 lbs (15 kg) for women, with 2-inch sleeves for Olympic plates. Standard bars are lighter (15-25 lbs) with 1-inch sleeves. Nearly all commercial gyms use Olympic equipment. For home gym setups with a standard bar, select the appropriate bar weight option.
What do the different plate colors mean?
Competition bumper plates follow the IWF color code: red is 25 kg, blue is 20 kg, yellow is 15 kg, green is 10 kg, and white is 5 kg. Most commercial gym iron plates are not color-coded and just have the weight stamped on them. Bumper plates are rubber-coated and designed to be dropped safely.
Should I warm up before loading my target weight?
Always. The NSCA recommends a progressive warm-up: bar only (10-15 reps), then 50% (8 reps), 70% (5 reps), 85% (3 reps), and finally your working weight. This activates your muscles, lubricates joints, and prepares your nervous system for heavy loads.
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