Plate Calculator
Find the exact plates to load on each side of your barbell for your target weight.
The remaining load is divided evenly between both sides. Standard kg or lb plates are used for the calculation.
1x 25kg, 1x 10kg, 1x 5kg
Per-side breakdown
The same plate combination goes on each side of the bar.
| Plate | Each side | Both sides |
|---|
How to load a barbell
Enter the total weight you want to lift, including the bar. The calculator subtracts the bar weight, divides the remaining load between both sides, and selects the heaviest available plates first. Use the same combination on the left and right sleeves to keep the bar balanced.
Plate math explained
The calculation is (total target weight - bar weight) divided by 2. For example, a 100 kg target with a 20 kg bar leaves 80 kg for plates, or 40 kg per side. That can be loaded as one 25 kg plate, one 10 kg plate, and one 5 kg plate on each side.
Loading tips
- Confirm the bar weight before loading it.
- Load both sides evenly and use collars where appropriate.
- If your gym does not have the exact plate size, choose a nearby achievable target.