Barbell Plate Loading Calculator
Work out which plates to load per side.
Enter your values
Enter the target total weight in kg.
Enter the bar weight in kg.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Plates per side
- 2 x 25kg, 1 x 10kg
- Remaining unloadable
- 0 kg
- Confirmed total
- 140 kg
Quick answer
Plate loading splits the weight above the bar evenly across both sides, using the largest plates first.
per side = (target - bar weight) / 2
At a glance
| What it does | Work out which plates to load per side. |
|---|---|
| Category | Fitness |
| Inputs needed | Target total weight, Bar weight |
| Main output | Plates per side |
| Formula | per side = (target - bar weight) / 2 |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Barbell Plate Loading Calculator
- 1Enter your target total weight and the bar's own weight (commonly 20kg for a men's Olympic bar, 15kg women's).
- 2The calculator uses the largest available plates first, then fills in smaller ones.
- 3Round to the nearest plate your gym actually has if 1.25kg plates aren't available.
Inputs explained
- Target total weight(kg)
- Enter the target total weight in kg.
- Bar weight(kg)
- Enter the bar weight in kg.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Target total weight140 kg
- Bar weight20 kg
Results
- Plates per side2 x 25kg, 1 x 10kg
- Remaining unloadable0 kg
- Confirmed total140 kg
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't it hit the exact number?
If your gym lacks small enough plates, the closest achievable total is shown as remaining unloadable.
Does this account for collars?
No — collars typically add a small, often ignored, amount of weight.
What do I need to enter into the Barbell Plate Loading Calculator?
Just 2 values: target total weight, bar weight. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Barbell Plate Loading Calculator work out the answer?
Plate loading splits the weight above the bar evenly across both sides, using the largest plates first. It applies the formula per side = (target - bar weight) / 2 and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Barbell Plate Loading Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.