Plate Calculator
Instantly calculate which plates to load on your barbell. Never count plates in your head again.
Calculate Your Plates
Enter your target weight to see which plates to load
Uses standard Olympic plates for accurate calculations
Standard Olympic Plates
Metric (kg): 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25
Imperial (lb): 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5
Note: Standard Olympic barbells weigh 20kg (45lb) for men and 15kg (35lb) for women. The calculator shows plates needed per side of the barbell.
Related Tools
Standard Olympic Plates
Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting use standardized plate weights. Understanding these helps you quickly calculate loads:
Metric System (kg)
Imperial System (lb)
Barbell Types and Weights
Different barbells have different weights. Make sure you're using the correct bar weight in your calculations:
| Type | Weight | Length | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Olympic Bar | 20kg / 45lb | 2.2m / 7.2ft | Standard for all compound lifts |
| Women's Olympic Bar | 15kg / 35lb | 2.01m / 6.6ft | Smaller diameter grip, shorter length |
| Trap/Hex Bar | 20-32kg / 45-70lb | Varies | Deadlifts, shrugs - weight varies by model |
| EZ Curl Bar | 7-11kg / 15-25lb | 1.2m / 4ft | Bicep curls, tricep work |
| Safety Squat Bar | 25-32kg / 55-70lb | 2.2m / 7ft | Easier on shoulders for squats |
Common Barbell Loads
Here are some frequently used barbell loads and their plate configurations:
Metric (kg)
Imperial (lb)
Loading Tips
- Always load plates evenly on both sides to prevent tipping
- Use collars/clips to secure plates, especially for dynamic movements
- Load largest plates first (closest to sleeves), smallest last
- Double-check your math before attempting heavy lifts
- Consider using fractional plates (0.5-1.25kg) for steady progression
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the plate calculator?
Enter your target weight, select your barbell type (standard 20kg/45lb or women's 15kg/35lb), and the calculator will show you exactly which plates to load on each side of the barbell.
What plates does this calculator use?
The calculator uses standard Olympic plates. For metric: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 kg. For imperial: 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, and 2.5 lb plates.
Why can't I achieve certain weights?
Some weights are impossible to achieve with standard plates. For example, 101kg requires a 0.5kg plate which isn't standard. The calculator will tell you if your target weight can't be achieved with available plates.
How much does an Olympic barbell weigh?
A standard men's Olympic barbell weighs 20kg (45lb). A women's Olympic barbell weighs 15kg (35lb). Some specialty bars (safety squat, trap bar) may have different weights.
Are the plate colors accurate?
The colors follow the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) standard for competition plates: red for 25kg, blue for 20kg, yellow for 15kg, green for 10kg. However, gym plates may vary.
Automatic Weight Tracking
This calculator helps you load the bar. Arvo tracks all your lifts automatically, calculates progressive overload, and tells you exactly what weight to use for each set.
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