Barbell Plate Calculator
Work out exactly which plates to load on each side of the bar for any target weight.
Per side40kg
Total loaded100kg
- 1 × 25 kg per side
- 1 × 15 kg per side
Plates load symmetrically, so each side carries (target − bar) ÷ 2. This loader fills that from the heaviest plate down to the lightest, using the standard kilogram (25/20/15/10/5/2.5/1.25) set. A 220 kg lift on a 20 kg bar is 100 kg a side — four 25 kg plates. Everything is computed in your browser.
Questions
How do I work out the plates per side?
Subtract the bar weight from the target, then halve it — that is the weight per side. The calculator fills it from the heaviest plate down. A 220 kg lift on a 20 kg bar is 100 kg a side, or four 25 kg plates.
Does it support pounds?
Yes. Switch to pounds to use the standard 45/35/25/10/5/2.5 lb plate set with a 45 lb bar; kilograms uses the 25/20/15/10/5/2.5/1.25 kg set with a 20 kg bar.