Barbell Plate Loading Calculator
See exactly which plates to load on each side of the bar to reach a target barbell weight — for pounds or kilograms.
How it works
Per side = (target − bar) ÷ 2 · plates loaded greedily largest-first · total = bar + 2 × (plates per side)
A barbell is loaded symmetrically, so the plates you add to one side are mirrored on the other. To hit a target, subtract the bar weight, halve the remainder, and fill that per-side amount with the largest plates first. If no combination of your plates hits the number exactly, the calculator shows the closest it can reach and the leftover.
Worked example
For 225 lb on a 45 lb bar: (225 − 45) ÷ 2 = 90 lb per side. Greedy loading gives one 45, one 25, one 10, one 5, and one 2.5 — 45+25+10+5+2.5 = 87.5. The nearest exact 90 is a single 45 + 45… in practice lifters use 45+45 = two 45s per side for 225, i.e. 2 × 45 = 90 per side.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a standard barbell weigh?
A standard Olympic barbell is 45 lb (20 kg). Some gyms have 35 lb (15 kg) womens bars and lighter training bars — set the bar weight to match yours.
Why does it load the biggest plates first?
Loading the heaviest plates nearest the collar keeps the bar balanced and uses the fewest plates. This is the standard way to load and matches how you would do it by hand.
What if my target cannot be made exactly?
With a limited plate set some totals are impossible. The calculator loads as close as it can and reports the leftover per side so you can pick the nearest achievable weight.
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Educational estimate for training planning, not medical or coaching advice. Warm up, use good form, and progress gradually — stop if you feel pain.