How to Load 500 lb
Half a thousand pounds - legendary status
What You Need
Bar Weight
45lb
Per Side
4× 45lb + 1× 35lb
Total Plates
8× 45lb + 2× 35lb plates
= 45lb bar + 4× 45lb + 1× 35lb × 2
Exercise Benchmarks
What this weight typically represents:
| Exercise | Level |
|---|---|
| Deadlift | Elite |
| Squat | Elite |
Loading Tips
- A true milestone that puts you among the strongest
- Requires years of consistent, intelligent training
- Most lifters will never achieve this weight
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.
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FAQ
What plates do I need for 500lb?
To load 500lb on an Olympic barbell (45lb), you need 4× 45lb + 1× 35lb per side, for a total of 8× 45lb + 2× 35lb plates.
Is 500lb a good weight?
Half a thousand pounds - legendary status
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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