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Barbell Plate Calculator

Enter your target weight and bar weight to automatically work out the plate combination needed for each side of the barbell.

Enter your details
kg
Achievable Total Weight
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All calculations happen on your device — nothing is sent externally
Per-side combination (from centre outward)
How to Use the Plate Calculator

For squat, bench press, deadlift and other barbell lifts, knowing your target weight is only half the job — figuring out which plates to actually load on the bar takes extra thought. This tool converts a target worked out with the 1RM Calculator or RPE Calculator into an actual plate count.

How to use this tool

Enter your total target weight (including the bar) and the bar you're using. The tool subtracts the bar weight and divides the remainder by two, automatically working out the plate combination for one side, prioritising the heaviest plates first.

Loading tips

Load the heaviest plates closest to the sleeve collar and lighter plates toward the outside (the result is listed from centre outward). Always secure plates with collars/clips after loading, and double-check both sides are symmetrical before lifting.

When there's a remainder

Since the smallest standard plate is 1.25kg, some target weights leave a remainder. Use the "achievable total weight" shown as your practical target, and add finer plates (e.g. 0.5kg) if you have them available.

Glossary & FAQ
What plate sizes should I have?
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The common Olympic plate set is 25kg, 20kg, 15kg, 10kg, 5kg, 2.5kg and 1.25kg.

IPF/IWF competition rules assign a standard colour to each weight (25kg red, 20kg blue, 15kg yellow, 10kg green, etc). This tool calculates plate breakdowns based on that standard set.
How do I choose the bar weight?
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The most common option is a standard men's Olympic bar at 20kg.

Women's or shorter bars are typically 15kg, and lightweight training bars are often around 10kg. Actual bar weight varies by gym, so check with staff if you are unsure.
What if my target weight can't be loaded exactly?
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Since the smallest standard plate is 1.25kg, some target weights cannot be hit exactly.

This tool calculates the closest achievable weight and flags any remainder. If you have finer plates (e.g. 0.5kg), add them to close the gap.
Why does the result show plates per side?
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Barbells are loaded symmetrically, so this tool subtracts the bar weight from your target and divides the rest by two to work out one side's plate breakdown. Load the same combination on both sides when setting up the bar.
Does this work for Smith machines or multi-power racks?
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Some machines, like Smith machines, have a counterbalance mechanism that makes the effective load different from the stated bar weight. This tool assumes a standard free-weight barbell, so check your equipment's specifications before relying on the result.
References
· Based on the standard plate weight specifications (25/20/15/10/5/2.5/1.25kg) defined in the competition rules of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
Disclaimer
Actual plate sets and bar weights available at a gym vary by facility. Use this tool's results as a general guide based on standard specifications.

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