Barbell plate calculator.

How the plates are chosen

1. Per side: (target − bar − collars) ÷ 2 is the weight to load on each side.
2. Plates: the tool searches every combination of the plates you ticked and returns the one with the fewest plates (an exact search, not a rule of thumb).
3. No exact match: it shows the nearest heavier and lighter weight you can load with those plates.

Worked example. 100 kg on a 20 kg bar: 40 kg per side = 25 + 15 kg. Using only 20, 10 and 5 kg plates, 40 kg per side = 20 + 20.

Standard kg plate colours (IPF)

Bar weights: 20 kg men’s and 15 kg women’s Olympic bars are the IPF and IWF standards; many gyms in North America use a 45 lb bar. Weigh your own bar if you are unsure, as training and specialty bars differ. Source (opened 2026-10-04): IPF Technical Rules Book, equipment specifications.

FAQ

How much does a standard barbell weigh?

A men’s Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg (44 lb) and a women’s weighs 15 kg (33 lb). Many gyms use a 45 lb bar. Check your gym’s bar if you rely on exact numbers.

How do I calculate plates per side?

Subtract the bar (and collars) from the total you want, then divide by two. For 225 lb on a 45 lb bar that is 90 lb per side, which is 45 + 45.

What if I do not have the right small plates?

Untick the plates you do not have. If your plates cannot make the exact weight, the calculator shows the nearest loads above and below.

Do collars count?

Competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each. Spring clips weigh very little and are usually ignored. Choose the collar option if you use heavy collars.

Is this for warm-ups?

You can run any weight, so you can plan each warm-up set. It does not recommend a program or a weight to lift.