Barbell Plate Calculator
Stop doing plate math between sets. Enter the weight, your bar and the plates you have: the calculator shows each side, tells you when the exact load is impossible, and builds your warm-up.
Want to get stronger, faster?
A strength coach programs your loads, your progression and your technique around these numbers. See the strength training and strength and conditioning coaches.
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Example
To load 225 lb on a 45 lb bar: 90 lb per side, so a 45 and two 25s... or simply 45 + 45 if you have two 45s per side. With only 45s and 10s, the closest load is 220 lb.
Method and formula
Per side = (target − bar) / 2, then plates are placed greedily from heaviest to lightest among the ones you ticked. If the remainder cannot be reached, the closest achievable load is shown.
Warm-up sets use 40, 55, 70 and 85 % of the target, rounded to your plates, for 8, 5, 3 and 1 reps.
Limits
- Assumes you have enough plates of each size you ticked.
- Collars and specialty bars change the total: use the custom bar weight.
FAQ
How much does a barbell weigh?
A standard Olympic bar weighs 20 kg (44 lb); most US gyms label them 45 lb. Women's bars are 15 kg (33 lb).
How should I order the plates?
Heaviest closest to the collar, lightest outside, same on both sides, and use collars.
Free educational tool. Results are estimates from published formulas.