AIFitLog Tools

Barbell Plate Calculator
No more plate math in your head

Enter your target weight, pick your bar, and instantly see exactly which plates to load on each side.
lb and kg supported. Free, no signup.

Your target weight

Total weight (bar included)

Bar weight

Available plates (uncheck what your gym doesn't have)

Per side

—lb

Enter a weight to get started

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Available in English and Japanese

About this calculator

Plate math is one of those things every lifter has to do dozens of times per session — and it never gets less annoying. This calculator takes your total target weight, subtracts the bar, and tells you exactly which plates to load on each side. No mental math required.

Plates are loaded heaviest first, which is the standard approach used in competitive powerlifting and general gym training. Uncheck any plates your gym doesn't have and the calculator adapts to what's actually available.

How to use it: Enter your total target weight (bar included), select your bar type, check off the plates available at your gym, and you're done.

FAQ

Does the target weight include the bar?

Yes — always enter the total weight including the bar. So if you're going for a 225 lb bench press, enter 225. The calculator subtracts the bar weight automatically and splits the remainder across both sides.

What if my gym doesn't have every plate size?

Just uncheck the plates your gym doesn't have. The calculator will find the best combination using only what you've selected. If the target weight can't be hit with those plates, it'll tell you so you can adjust.

How much does a Smith machine bar weigh?

Smith machine bars vary widely by manufacturer and model — typically somewhere between 15 and 25 lb (7–11 kg). Some machines also have a counterbalance system that makes the bar feel lighter than it actually is. Select "Custom" and enter your bar's actual weight. If you're not sure, ask gym staff — they'll know.

What's a standard Olympic bar weight?

A men's Olympic barbell weighs 45 lb (20 kg). A women's Olympic barbell weighs 35 lb (15 kg). These are the standard weights used in competitive weightlifting and powerlifting, and what most commercial gyms use.

Can I use this for dumbbells or machines?

This calculator is designed for barbells. For dumbbells and cable machines, the weight you select is usually the total weight — no plate math needed. For selectorized machines, each pin setting shows the weight directly on the stack.

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