Plate calculator (barbell loadout)

Enter the total target weight and your bar weight: the calculator returns the list of plates per side and a visual of the loaded bar.

Practical to prep a heavy set without mental math, or check that a competition total is reachable with available plates.

Standard plates

Algorithm uses calibrated IPF/IWF plates: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 kg. For finer increments (0.5 or 1 kg in competition), micro plates (0.25 and 0.5 kg) are needed.

Olympic bars

• Olympic 20 kg: standard men's bar, 2.20 m, 50 mm sleeves.
• Olympic 15 kg: women's bar (IPF/IWF), 2.01 m, thinner.
• Short 10 kg: short bar (1.30 to 1.70 m), often for unilateral work or beginners.

How to use it

• Before a heavy set: enter target, verify you have the plates.
• In competition: validate opener / second / third weight.
• For your athlete: prepare the plate list to bring.

FAQ

What does "Remaining to load per side" mean?

The target cannot be built with standard plates. The calculator loads as much as it can and shows what is missing. Example: 102 kg on a 20 kg bar is 41 kg per side. It loads 25 + 15 kg and 1 kg per side remains. Use micro plates or aim for 100 or 102.5 kg.

Are pound plates supported?

Not in this version. Calculator uses metric only. Convert before entering.