How to Load 225 lb (Two Plates)
The iconic 'two plates' - respected milestone in any gym
What You Need
Bar Weight
45lb
Per Side
2× 45lb
Total Plates
4× 45lb plates
= 45lb bar + 2× 45lb × 2
Exercise Benchmarks
What this weight typically represents:
| Exercise | Level |
|---|---|
| Bench Press | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Squat | Intermediate |
| Deadlift | Beginner-Intermediate |
Loading Tips
- A prestigious benchmark that turns heads in the gym
- Clean plate loading - two 45s look professional
- Many lifters spend months working toward this milestone
Try the Calculator
Use our interactive plate calculator for any weight:
Calculate Your Plates
Total Plates Needed
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
FAQ
What plates do I need for 225lb?
To load 225lb on an Olympic barbell (45lb), you need 2× 45lb per side, for a total of 4× 45lb plates.
Is 225lb a good weight?
The iconic 'two plates' - respected milestone in any gym
Can I use different plate combinations?
Yes, there are often multiple ways to achieve the same weight. However, the configuration shown uses the minimum number of plates possible, which is generally preferred for stability and ease of loading.
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