Barbell Plate Calculator
How to use the plate calculator
Enter your target weight. The calculator subtracts the bar, splits the rest evenly across both sides, and shows the plates for one side from heaviest to lightest. Mirror the same plates on the other side.
What the plate colors mean
Standard plates are color-coded by weight: 25kg red, 20kg blue, 15kg yellow, 10kg green, 5kg white. The 2.5kg plate is red under IWF (weightlifting) but black under IPF (powerlifting), so you pick the standard.
How much does the bar weigh
A standard men's bar is 20kg (45lb) and a women's bar is 15kg (33lb). The total already includes the bar, so don't add it on top of the plates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I load the same plates on both sides
Yes. The calculator shows one side only. Load the same plates on the other side to match.
What if my target can't be matched exactly
It fills the closest weight you can reach without going over, and tells you how much short it is.
Is the women's bar really 15kg
Yes. A standard women's bar is 15kg (33lb). It's often mislabeled as 35lb in the US, but 33lb is correct.
Do lb plates show colors too
Pound plates don't have a standardized color scheme, so they show in a single neutral color. Color standards only apply to kg.