Enter a target weight to see the plates for each side.
Enter the total weight you want on the bar. See exactly which plates go on each side, with your bar, your collars and the plates your gym actually has.
How to load a barbell
- Subtract the bar and collars from your target weight.
- Divide what is left by two. That is the weight for each side.
- Load the heaviest plates first, closest to the center, then work down to the smallest.
Worked examples
275 lb on a 45 lb bar: (275 − 45) ÷ 2 = 115 lb per side = 45 + 45 + 25 lb.
142.5 kg on a 20 kg bar with 2.5 kg collars: (142.5 − 20 − 5) ÷ 2 = 58.75 kg per side = 25 + 25 + 5 + 2.5 + 1.25 kg.
When an exact load isn't possible
If your plates can't make the target exactly, for example 227 lb with no plates under 2.5 lb, the calculator shows the closest weight you can load without going over and tells you the difference. Fractional plates (1.25 lb, 0.5 kg and smaller) can be switched on in the plate list.
Planning warm-ups? The warm-up calculator shows the plates for every warm-up set too.
Frequently asked questions
Does the plate calculator count the bar?
Yes. Enter the total weight you want, including the bar. The calculator subtracts the bar (and collars, if you add them) and splits the rest evenly between the two sides.
What if my gym is missing some plates?
Untick any plates you don't have, or set a limit on how many pairs you own. The calculator searches every combination, so it still finds an exact load when one exists. If none does, it shows the closest load below your target.
How much does a barbell weigh?
A standard men's Olympic bar is 20 kg (often sold as 45 lb in the US), and a women's bar is 15 kg (about 35 lb). Specialty bars vary widely, so check the weight stamped on yours and enter it as a custom bar.
Do I need to count collars?
Spring clips weigh almost nothing, but competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each. Add their combined weight in the collars box if you use them.