Plate Loading Calculator
Which plates to put on each side of the bar for a target weight, using the bar, collars and plates you actually have, in kg or lb. If the exact weight can't be made, it finds the closest.
Result…
How it's calculated
Plates per side = (target − bar − 2 × collar) ÷ 2 Total = bar + 2 × collar + 2 × plates per side Every combination of the plates you have is checked; the closest total wins, then the fewest plates, then the heaviest plates first.
A plate loading calculator works out what to put on each end of a barbell. Take the bar and any collars away from the weight you want, halve the rest, and make that half from your plates, heaviest first. Simple counting fails when a gym is short of a size: with only one 15 and two 10s, a heaviest-first approach puts the 15 on and then gets stuck at 20 a side, though 10 + 10 works. This calculator checks every combination of the plates you list, so it finds the exact load when one exists, and the closest possible total when it doesn't. The default plate sets are a common gym set, not a standard: change them to what you have.
Your numbers, step by step
About the Plate Loading calculator
This plate loading calculator tells you which plates to put on each side of a barbell to reach a target weight, in kg or lb. You enter the bar, the weight of each collar, and the plates your gym actually has, written as size x pairs. The default lists are a common set to start from, not a standard, so edit them to match the rack in front of you. Instead of just loading the heaviest plate that fits, the calculator checks every combination of the plates listed. That matters when you are short of a size: it still finds the exact load if one exists, and otherwise the closest total it can make, with the difference shown. Lifters, coaches and anyone setting up a home gym use it to load warm-up sets and work sets quickly. The steps show the sum for each side.
How to use it
- Choose the “Units”: kg or lb.
- Enter the “Target weight (bar + plates)” you want to lift.
- Check the “Bar weight” and set “Each collar weighs” if you use collars heavy enough to count.
- Edit “Plates you have (size x pairs)” so it lists your plates, for example 20 x 2 for two pairs of 20s.
- Read what goes on “Each side”, the total on the bar and how far it is from your target.
Worked example
Target 142.5 kg on a 20 kg bar with two 2.5 kg collars: bar and collars = 20 + 2 × 2.5 = 25 kg, so each side needs (142.5 − 25) ÷ 2 = 58.75 kg. With the default kg set that is 25 + 25 + 5 + 2.5 + 1.25 kg on each side, five plates, which is 314.16 lb. In pounds, 230 lb on a 45 lb bar with no collars is 92.5 lb a side: 45 + 45 + 2.5.
Updated
Questions people ask
How do I work out what plates to put on the bar?
Take the bar and collars away from the target, then halve what is left. That is the weight for each side. Make it from your plates starting with the heaviest, and use the same plates on both sides.
How much does a barbell weigh?
Many Olympic and power bars are 20 kg, and many gym bars are sold as 45 lb (about 20.4 kg). Technique, trap, EZ and specialty bars vary, so check the marking or weigh the bar before you trust the total.
Why can't the calculator make my exact weight?
The smallest change you can make is two of your lightest plates, one per side. With 1.25 kg plates the total moves in 2.5 kg steps, so a target in between is rounded to the closest weight you can load. Adding smaller change plates to the list fixes it.
Do I need to count the collars?
Light spring clips are usually ignored. Heavier lock collars do count: under the IPF Technical Rulebook the bar and its two collars weigh 25 kg together, so a 20 kg bar carries 2.5 kg collars. Leaving them out would make the bar heavier than planned.
How do I find the weight to load for a percentage of my max?
Work out the percentage first, then enter it here as the target. The one-rep max calculator estimates your max and the weights for common percentages.
Is the total exact?
Only if your plates are. IPF competition discs must be within 0.25 percent or 10 grams of their face value, but ordinary gym plates can be further off their stated weight. Lift with a spotter or safety arms when the load is near your limit, and ask a qualified coach about technique.