Plate calculator.
Pick pounds or kilos, pick your bar, type the weight, and see exactly what goes on each side. Works for barbells, specialty bars and strongman implements.
Each side: 45 + 45 + 45
45 lb bar + 270 lb of plates.
Bar and implement weights.
These are the weights of the bars at our gym in Davie. Brands differ, so check yours, or use "Other bar" to enter your own.
| Bar or implement | Weight |
|---|---|
| Standard barbell | 45 lb (20 kg) |
| Trap / hex bar | 55 lb (24.9 kg) |
| Safety squat bar | 60 lb (27.2 kg) |
| Heavy safety squat bar | 75 lb (34 kg) |
| Football / Swiss bar | 50 lb (22.7 kg) |
| Arched neutral-grip bar | 25 lb (11.3 kg) |
| Axle | 25 lb (11.3 kg) |
| Strongman log | 100 lb (45.4 kg) |
| Farmers handles | 40 lb (18.1 kg) per handle |
The math: subtract the bar from the total, split what's left in half for each side, then load the heaviest plates first. The calculator uses the fewest plates that hit the weight, so it also works with mixed sets like 55s and 45s or kilo change plates. For farmers handles there's no splitting; each handle gets its own load.
Questions.
How much does a standard barbell weigh?
A standard men's Olympic barbell weighs 45 lb (20 kg). Women's bars are usually 15 kg, about 33 lb. Pick "Other bar" to enter any weight.
How much does a trap bar weigh?
Trap bars vary by brand, usually 45–75 lb. Ours weighs 55 lb. Use "Other bar" if yours is different.
How much does a strongman log weigh?
Logs range from about 60 lb training logs to 120+ lb competition logs. Ours weighs 100 lb empty.
How does farmers handle math work?
Farmers weights are per hand. Enter the weight you want in each hand; the calculator subtracts the 40 lb handle and tells you the plates for each handle.
Does it work in kilos?
Yes. Switch to kilos and it uses kilo plates: 50, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 and 2.5 kg, plus 2, 1.5, 1.25, 1, 0.5 and 0.25 kg change plates. The standard barbell counts as 20 kg.
Can I use 55 lb or 100 lb plates?
Yes. Tap 55 or 100 under "Plates you have" to turn them on, and the calculator will use them.
What if I can't hit the exact weight?
Turn off plates you don't have. The calculator shows how far short you are and the closest weight you can load.
Want the numbers done for you?
Coached athletes get a program written by a Broward Strength coach in the Training Portal, with percentages and plate math worked out on every set and a countdown to meet day. $100/month, train anywhere.