How to calculate barbell plates in kg or lb

Step by step

1. Choose kg or lb and enter the total weight you want, including the bar.
2. Enter the actual bar weight. Include the combined collar weight here if you want it counted.
3. Select only the plate sizes you have available.
4. Read the achieved total and load the same plates on both sides.

Worked example

For a 100 kg total with a 20 kg bar, each side needs (100 − 20) ÷ 2 = 40 kg. One 25 kg plate and one 15 kg plate per side produce 100 kg.

A different bar changes the answer. Do not assume every bar weighs 20 kg.

Check your result

The calculator assumes enough pairs of each selected plate size. Check your actual inventory.

If the target cannot be loaded exactly, the tool finds the closest achievable weight at or below it. This loading calculation does not select an appropriate training weight for you.