Plate Loading Calculator
Exactly which plates go on each side of the bar for any target weight.
Enter your values
Enter the target weight in kg.
Choose one of: 20 kg Olympic, 15 kg women's, 10 kg training, 25 kg safety squat, 7 kg technique.
Choose one of: kg: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, lb: 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5.
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 25, 1 x 10, 1 x 1.25
- Actual bar weight
- 142.5
- Difference from target
- 0
- Load per side
- 61.25
- Total plates on the bar
- 8
Working
- 1(142.5 - 20) / 2 = 61.25 per side
Quick answer
Plate loading subtracts the bar weight, halves the remainder and greedily fills each side from the heaviest plate down.
per side = (target - bar) / 2
At a glance
| What it does | Exactly which plates go on each side of the bar for any target weight. |
|---|---|
| Category | Fitness |
| Inputs needed | Target weight, Bar weight, Plate set |
| Main output | Plates per side |
| Formula | per side = (target - bar) / 2 |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Plate Loading Calculator
- 1Enter the weight you want on the bar in total, including the bar itself.
- 2Pick the bar you are using and the plate set available in your gym.
- 3Load the listed plates on each side, heaviest against the collar first.
Inputs explained
- Target weight(kg)
- Enter the target weight in kg.
- Bar weight
- Choose one of: 20 kg Olympic, 15 kg women's, 10 kg training, 25 kg safety squat, 7 kg technique.
- Plate set
- Choose one of: kg: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, lb: 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Target weight142.5 kg
- Bar weight20 kg Olympic
- Plate setkg: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25
Results
- Plates per side2 x 25, 1 x 10, 1 x 1.25
- Actual bar weight142.5
- Difference from target0
- Load per side61.25
- Total plates on the bar8
- (142.5 - 20) / 2 = 61.25 per side
Frequently asked questions
Why is the actual weight different from my target?
Your plate set cannot make every number. The calculator loads the closest achievable weight at or below the target and shows the gap.
Do collars count?
Competition collars add 2.5 kg each. If you use them, add 5 kg to the bar weight before calculating.
What do I need to enter into the Plate Loading Calculator?
Just 3 values: target weight, bar weight, plate set. 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 Plate Loading Calculator work out the answer?
Plate loading subtracts the bar weight, halves the remainder and greedily fills each side from the heaviest plate down. It applies the formula per side = (target - bar) / 2 and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the 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.