Plate Loading Calculator
I spent years doing plate maths in my head between sets, and I still got it wrong often enough to ruin the odd top set. This does it properly: enter the weight you want, pick your bar, tick the plates you actually own, and it shows exactly what goes on each side. If your plates cannot make the number, it shows the closest load below it and what would close the gap.
Units
Target weight (total, including the bar)
kg
Bar weight
Plates you own (untick anything not in your gym)
Load per side
1 x 25 + 1 x 15
40 kg per side + 20 kg bar = 100 kg total
1 x 25 kg1 x 15 kg
Loads exactly. Put the plates on largest first, smallest at the end of the sleeve, and use the same order on both sides so the bar stays balanced as you strip it.
Still picking a barbell?
Our barbell guide covers knurling, sleeve spin, and which bars are worth the money.
Read the Barbell Guide