Barbell Plate Calculator

How plate math works

This calculator subtracts your bar weight from your target, splits the remainder evenly between both sides, then greedily fills each side starting with the largest standard plate (45 lb) down to the smallest (2.5 lb).

It assumes a standard set of plate sizes: 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, and 2.5 lb. If your gym only stocks certain sizes, or uses fractional micro-plates, treat the result as a starting point and adjust to what's actually on the rack.

Once you know your target working weight from the one rep max calculator or RPE calculator, drop it in here to skip the mental math mid-workout. This version loads in pounds — if your target weight is in kilograms, run it through the kg to lbs converter first.

Where these numbers come from

The formulas and default values in this calculator are based on:

• Standard Olympic barbell plate sizes (45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5 lb per plate)

These are planning estimates for training purposes. Check with a coach, trainer, or physician before starting a new program or maxing out.