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Plate Calculator
Enter your target weight — see exactly which plates to load on each side of the bar.
Stop doing math between sets
Lift5x5 shows your plate loading automatically for every set, picks your next weight, and tracks your progress. Free, no ads.
Get the free appHow to load a barbell
Take your target weight, subtract the bar, and split what's left evenly between both sides. Always load the heaviest plates closest to the collar and work outward — it's more stable and it's the convention every gym follows. This calculator uses a "largest plates first" approach, the same one experienced lifters use without thinking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what plates to load on a barbell?
Subtract the bar weight from your target, then split the rest evenly between the two sides. The calculator does this for you and loads the largest plates first. For example, a 100kg target on a 20kg bar leaves 80kg, or 40kg per side: 25 + 15.
How much does a barbell weigh?
A standard Olympic barbell weighs 20kg (44lb), usually rounded to 45lb in the US. Womens Olympic bars are 15kg. Shorter or technique bars can be 10kg or less. Set the bar weight in the calculator to match yours.
What plates do most gyms have?
In kg gyms: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25kg. In lb gyms: 45, 35, 25, 10, 5 and 2.5lb. Microplates (0.5 and 0.25kg) are less common but useful for small jumps on the bench and overhead press.
Why does the calculator say my exact weight is not possible?
Because the plates available can not add up to that exact load per side. It will get as close as possible and tell you the actual total. Microplates close most of these gaps if your gym has them.