Equipment
How much does a barbell weigh?
A standard men's Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg (44.1 lb). In American gyms it is usually sold as a 45 lb bar. Other bars range from about 15 lb to 75 lb.
M. Imtinan Farooq · Updated · 2 min
Barbell weights at a glance
| Bar | Typical weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Men's Olympic bar | 20 kg / 45 lb | 2.2 m long, 28–29 mm grip. The default in almost every gym. |
| Women's Olympic bar | 15 kg / 35 lb | Shorter (2.01 m) with a thinner 25 mm grip. |
| Power bar / deadlift bar | 20 kg / 45 lb | Same weight as an Olympic bar; stiffer or whippier shaft. |
| Technique / training bar | 5–10 kg / 10–15 lb | Often aluminium, for learning the lifts. |
| Standard (1-inch) bar | 15–25 lb / 7–11 kg | Home sets with 1-inch plates. Check the label. |
| EZ curl bar | 18–25 lb / 8–11 kg | Varies a lot by brand. |
| Trap / hex bar | 45–75 lb / 20–34 kg | Most commercial ones are 45–60 lb. |
| Safety squat bar | 55–75 lb / 25–34 kg | Padded yoke adds weight. |
| Smith machine bar | 15–45 lb / 7–20 kg | Many are counterbalanced; read the label on the machine. |
The 20 kg and 45 lb versions aren't quite the same: 20 kg is 44.1 lb, and a true 45 lb bar is 20.4 kg. Most US "45 lb" bars are really 20 kg bars rounded up, which is fine for training.
How to find out what your bar weighs
- Read the end cap or sleeve. Most quality bars print the weight there.
- Look up the model. Manufacturers list exact weights.
- Weigh it. Stand on a scale holding the bar, then without it, and subtract.
Once you know, set it in the plate calculator under Bar (or Custom) and every total comes out right.
Does the bar weight count?
Yes. The weight you lifted is the bar plus everything on it, so a 45 lb bar with one 45 lb plate on each side is 135 lb. More on that in does the bar count.
Common totals on a 45 lb bar
Do the math for your own bar
Questions
Is a barbell 45 lb or 44 lb?
A standard Olympic bar is 20 kg, which is 44.1 lb. In the US it's normally called a 45 lb bar, and some US-made bars really are 45 lb (20.4 kg). Either way, count it as 45 lb in a pound gym.
How much does the bench press bar weigh?
Usually the same 45 lb (20 kg) Olympic bar. Fixed bench bars and Smith machines differ, so check the label.
How much does a women's barbell weigh?
15 kg, which is about 33 lb. In US gyms they're usually labelled 35 lb.
How much does a Smith machine bar weigh?
Anything from about 15 to 45 lb. Many Smith machines are counterbalanced, so the bar feels lighter than its real weight. The machine's label is the only reliable source.