Plate Loading Calculator
Enter a target barbell weight to see which plates to load on each side, or count plates already on the bar to get the total. Uses standard kilogram (IPF/USAW-style) and U.S. commercial pound plate sets.
How the loading math works
Symmetric loading uses plates per side = (target − bar − collars) ÷ 2. The calculator then applies a heaviest-first (greedy) plate selection from the standard inventory for your unit system — the same approach most lifters use on the platform.
Kilogram plates default to 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25. Pound plates default to 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, and 2.5. If a target cannot be made exactly, the closest lower loadable total is shown with the shortfall. Commercial plates and bars can vary from their stamped weights — treat this as gym math, not a calibrated scale.
Loads to 100 kg (bar 20 kg + 40 kg each side).
| Plate | Per side | Both sides |
|---|---|---|
| 25 kg | 1 | 2 |
| 15 kg | 1 | 2 |
| Plate size |
|---|
| 25 kg |
| 20 kg |
| 15 kg |
| 10 kg |
| 5 kg |
| 2.5 kg |
| 1.25 kg |
Pair plate math with lift guides
Once the bar is loaded correctly, focus on repeatable technique on the same lift. Use a 1RM estimate for percentage work, then check these common barbell movements.