How to load a barbell
Subtract the bar (20 kg for a men's Olympic bar, 15 kg for the women's bar) and collars (2.5 kg each at meets), split the rest in two and load from the heaviest plate down.
Colours follow the IPF code: red 25 kg, blue 20 kg, yellow 15 kg, green 10 kg, white 5 kg, black 2.5 kg. If the exact weight can't be built from your plates, the calculator says so and loads the closest one.
Save time in the gym
Plate math between sets is a classic source of mistakes (and missed sets). This calculator is built to be used on your phone at the gym.
In the CoachForce app, every load the coach prescribes is already converted to plates for the athlete.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Olympic bar weigh?
20 kg (44 lbs) for the standard men's bar, 15 kg for the women's bar. Specialty squat or deadlift bars can weigh 25 kg or more.
How much do competition collars weigh?
2.5 kg each, 5 kg a pair. An empty competition bar with collars weighs 25 kg.
Why load the heaviest plates first?
Stability and safety: the load stays near the centre and loading is faster. It is also the rule at meets.
Does it work in pounds?
Yes, switch to lbs: 45 lb bar and 45, 35, 25, 10, 5 and 2.5 lb plates.
How much does an Olympic barbell weigh?
20 kg (44 lb) for the men's bar, 15 kg (33 lb) for the women's bar. Competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each. The calculator accounts for both.
How do I load 315 lb on a bar?
With a 45 lb bar: three 45 lb plates per side. Enter any weight to see the breakdown, in pounds or kilos.
Does the calculator work in kilos?
Yes: switch to kg for a 20 kg bar and 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 kg plates.