Barbell Plate Calculator

Plates load symmetrically, so each side carries half of the weight above the bar. Standard pound plates are 45, 35, 25, 10, 5 and 2.5; kilogram plates are 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25. If a small amount cannot be made from these, it is shown as not loadable — pick the nearest target or add micro-plates.

Weight per side = (target − bar) ÷ 2. The calculator then loads the largest available plates first until the per-side weight is matched.

The calculator assumes a symmetrical load and only the standard plate sizes listed, loading equal weight on each side. If your target cannot be made from those plates it is shown as not loadable, and the tool does not account for odd plate sets, collars, or bars of non-standard weight. Confirm your own bar and plates before lifting.

For 225 lb with a 45 lb bar: (225 − 45) ÷ 2 = 90 lb per side, which is two 45 lb plates on each end.

1. Choose pounds or kilograms.
2. Enter the total weight you want on the bar.
3. Set the bar weight (45 lb or 20 kg is standard).
4. Read the plates to load on each side.

• Entering the per-side weight instead of the total on the bar.
• Forgetting the bar itself counts toward the total.
• Mixing pound plates with a kilogram target.

The Barbell Plate Calculator tells you which plates to put on each side of the bar to hit a target weight. Enter the total weight and the bar weight, choose pounds or kilograms, and it loads from the heaviest plate down.

Lifters, coaches and gym-goers loading a barbell quickly and correctly.

• Exact plates to load per side.
• Pounds or kilograms with standard plate sets.
• Flags any weight that cannot be matched with the plates.
• Private — calculated entirely in your browser.

• Loading a squat, bench or deadlift quickly.
• Checking plate math for a new personal best.
• Planning warm-up sets at different weights.