Gym math
Does the bar count when lifting?
Yes. The weight you lifted is everything you moved: the bar, the plates and any heavy collars. A 45 lb bar with a 45 lb plate on each side is 135 lb, not 90 lb.
M. Imtinan Farooq · Updated · 2 min
Why the bar counts
You're lifting the bar along with the plates, so it's part of the load. Every program, coach, competition and record counts it. If you leave it out, your numbers are off by 45 lb (20 kg) and you can't compare them with anyone else's, or with your own if you ever log it properly.
How to count a loaded bar
- Add up the plates on one side.
- Double it.
- Add the bar: 45 lb (20 kg) for a standard Olympic bar.
Example: 45 + 25 on each side → 70 × 2 = 140, + 45 = 185 lb.
The weight on bar calculator does this for you: tap the plates on one side and it adds the rest.
How much the bar weighs
Most gym bars are 45 lb (20 kg). Women's bars are 35 lb (15 kg), and specialty bars like trap bars and safety squat bars are heavier. See how much a barbell weighs for the full list.
When it's different
- Smith machines. The bar is often counterbalanced, so its "weight" is less than it looks. Use the number on the machine's label.
- Leg press and plate-loaded machines. People usually count only the plates, because the sled's real resistance depends on the machine's angle. Just be consistent.
- Collars. Spring clips are too light to count. Competition collars are 2.5 kg each and do count in meets.
- Dumbbells. Each dumbbell's number already includes its handle.
Do the math for your own bar
Questions
Do you count the bar on bench press?
Yes. A bench of 135 lb means a 45 lb bar plus a 45 lb plate on each side.
Do you count the bar on deadlift?
Yes, every barbell lift counts the bar. Trap bar deadlifts count the trap bar's weight too, which is often 45–60 lb.
Does the bar count on a Smith machine?
Count the bar's listed starting weight from the machine label. Many Smith bars are counterbalanced, so it may be much less than 45 lb.