Barbell Plate Calculator
Work out the plates for each side of the bar.
Your numbers
Your results
Barbell Plate Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the Barbell Plate Calculator works
Enter the total weight you want and the weight of the bar (20 kg for a standard Olympic bar).
Weight is split evenly between the two sides.
The calculator picks the largest plates first from the standard set 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 kg.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Target weight (kg) | 100 |
|---|---|
| Bar weight (kg) | 20 |
- (100 − 20) ÷ 2 = 40 kg on each side.
- Plates per side: 1×25 · 0×20 · 1×15 · 0×10 · 0×5 · 0×2.5 · 0×1.25.
Result:
| Weight per side (kg) | 40.00 |
|---|---|
| Plates per side | 1×25 · 0×20 · 1×15 · 0×10 · 0×5 · 0×2.5 · 0×1.25 |
| Weight that cannot be loaded (kg per side) | 0.00 |
Frequently asked questions
What if the leftover is not zero?
Your plate set cannot make the exact weight. Choose the nearest achievable target or add smaller plates.
Does it include collars?
No. Competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each, so add 5 kg to the load if you use them.
Sources and further reading
Related calculators
More in Health & Fitness · All calculators
This calculator gives general estimates for information and education. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Talk to a qualified health professional about your own situation. See our disclaimer.