How to count the weight on a barbell
- Count one side. Add up the plates on one sleeve only.
- Double it. Barbells are loaded the same on both sides.
- Add the bar. 45 lb for a standard Olympic bar (20 kg in kilo gyms), plus collars if they're heavy competition ones.
Example: one 45, one 25 and one 10 on each side. 45 + 25 + 10 = 80, × 2 = 160, + 45 = 205 lb.
Shortcuts for counting fast
- Every pair of 45s adds 90 lb. One plate a side is 135, two is 225, three is 315, four is 405.
- Every pair of 20 kg plates adds 40 kg. One a side is 60 kg, two is 100 kg, three is 140 kg.
- Count big plates first, then add the small change. Don't forget plates hidden behind the collar.
When the plates are in kilos but you think in pounds
Many gyms have kilo bumper plates on a 20 kg bar. A 20 kg plate is about 44.1 lb, so "two plates" on a kilo bar is 100 kg, which is about 220.5 lb, not 225. Switch the unit to kg, count the kilo plates, and read the pound conversion under the total. For the details, see 45 lb vs 20 kg plates.
Common loads
Questions
Do you count both sides of the barbell?
Yes. The total is the bar plus the plates on both sides. Most people count one side and double it, since both sides should match.
How much is a 45 on each side?
135 lb: two 45 lb plates (90 lb) plus the 45 lb bar.
Do collars count toward the weight?
Spring clips weigh so little that nobody counts them. Competition collars weigh 2.5 kg each, so they add 5 kg to the bar and are counted in meets. Pick Competition under Collars to include them.
How do I count a trap bar or another specialty bar?
Choose the bar in the Bar menu, or pick Custom and type its weight. Specialty bars vary a lot by brand, so check the label if you can.