World of Lifting
Gym Math
Free strength calculators.
Plate Loader
What goes on each side
Enter a target weight to see the plates
Why plate math matters
Doing plate math mid-warm-up wastes time and breaks your focus, especially with a bar already loaded. Enter your target weight and bar type above, and this tool tells you exactly what goes on each side.
Standard barbell weights
| Bar | kg | lbs |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic Bar | 20 kg | 45 lb |
| Women's Olympic Bar | 15 kg | 33 lb |
| Safety Squat Bar | ~25 kg | ~55 lb |
| Deadlift Bar | 20 kg | 45 lb |
These are the standard numbers, but gym bars vary, especially specialty ones. Check your gym’s actual equipment before you assume.
Plate colors and sizes
IPF competition plates are color-coded by weight: 25kg red, 20kg blue, 15kg yellow, 10kg green, 5kg white, with smaller change plates usually black or chrome. The diagram above follows a similar scheme so you can spot plates at a glance. If you’re working in pounds, the common sizes are 45/35/25/10/5/2.5lb.
When you can't hit an exact number
Your smallest available plate sets your minimum jump. If your gym’s smallest plate is 2.5kg, you can only move the total weight in 5kg steps (2.5kg per side). When your target can’t be loaded exactly, the tool shows you the closest weight you can hit and how far short it is.
FAQ
How much does a standard barbell weigh?
A men’s Olympic barbell weighs 20kg (44lb), and a women’s weighs 15kg (33lb). Specialty bars like safety squat bars, trap bars, and deadlift bars vary by manufacturer, usually somewhere between 20-32kg (45-70lb). Check your gym’s actual bar before you assume.
What plates does a typical gym have?
Most commercial gyms stock 25/20/15/10/5/2.5/1.25kg (or 45/35/25/10/5/2.5lb) plates in pairs. Smaller "fractional" plates, half a kilo or a pound or less, show up in well-equipped gyms but you can't count on them everywhere.
Why can’t the calculator hit my exact target weight?
Your target has to be reachable with the bar weight plus pairs of plates at whatever your smallest increment is. If the smallest plate available is 2.5kg, you’re working in 5kg jumps (2.5kg per side), and anything in between needs fractional plates you probably don’t have.
What do the plate colors mean?
In IPF competition, plates are color-coded by weight: 25kg red, 20kg blue, 15kg yellow, 10kg green, 5kg white, and smaller change plates usually black or chrome. Commercial gyms often follow a similar scheme, but it's not standardized, so check the numbers stamped on the plate to be sure.
Is a safety squat bar or deadlift bar heavier than a standard bar?
Safety squat bars usually are, often 25-32kg (55-70lb) thanks to the camber and handles. Deadlift bars are typically close to a standard 20kg/45lb but with a thinner, more flexible shaft. Either way, check the weight stamped on the bar since it varies by brand.
More Gym Math Tools
1RM Calculator
Estimate your one-rep max from a working set.
DOTS Calculator
Score your total against bodyweight, IPF-style.
RPE Calculator
Convert RPE and reps into working weights.
Want a program built around these numbers? Browse the WOL Library for percentage-based and RPE-based training plans.