Barbell plate calculator
Enter the total weight you want on the bar. The calculator shows the plates to put on each side, using your bar and the plates your gym has.
kglb
Loads exactly. Put these plates on each side.
Just the bar. No plates needed.
Your exact target is not possible with these plates. This is the closest weight you can load.
| Plate on each side (kglb) | How many |
|---|
Each side carries kglb. The bar is kglb.
How it works
The calculator subtracts the bar from your target and halves the rest, since both sides must match. It then loads the heaviest plates first, the way most lifters do, while making sure the remainder can still be made from the smaller plates you have. If no combination hits the target exactly, it shows the closest loadable weight below and above.
Collars usually weigh about 2.5 kg each in competition and close to nothing for spring clips. They are not counted here. If yours are heavy, subtract their weight from your target.
Bar weights
A standard Olympic men's bar weighs 20 kg, about 44 lb. A women's bar weighs 15 kg, about 33 lb. Bars in US gyms are usually sold as 45 lb. Trap bars, EZ curl bars and technique bars vary a lot, so weigh yours or check the label and use the custom option.
Questions
How many plates do I need for 225 lb?
With a 45 lb bar, put two 45 lb plates on each side. That is 45 + 2 × 2 × 45 = 225.
How many plates for 100 kg?
With a 20 kg bar you need 40 kg per side. The usual load is one 25 kg and one 15 kg plate per side, or two 20 kg plates if your gym has no 15s.
Does the bar count in the weight?
Yes. The weight you lift is the bar plus all the plates. Programs and logs almost always mean the total.
Why can my gym's plates not make my exact weight?
The smallest jump you can make is twice your smallest plate, because both sides must match. With 1.25 kg plates the smallest step is 2.5 kg. With 2.5 lb plates it is 5 lb.
Can I mix kg and lb plates?
You can, but the numbers get messy. Pick one unit here and use the other plate field for the odd plate, entered in the same unit.
Log the set
Once the bar is loaded, log the set. Marrow logs your lifts with sets and reps and tracks your progress per lift over time.
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