How do you calculate plates for a barbell?

Subtract the bar weight from the target weight, divide the remaining weight by two, then load that amount on each side using available plates.

Does the calculator support kg and lb plates?

Yes. You can switch between kg and lb defaults, then edit the bar weight, plate sizes, and total plates available.

What happens if the exact weight is not possible?

The calculator shows the closest load possible with the plate inventory you entered and displays the difference from your target.

Free barbell loading calculator

Barbell Plate Calculator

Enter your target weight, bar weight, and available plates to see exactly what to load on each side of the bar.

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KG OR LBCUSTOM PLATESCLOSEST LOAD

PLATES PER SIDE

Enter the target. Pick the setup.

Target loaded bar weight Bar weight

LogWise shows up to three distinct balanced setups first. Customize only if your gym rack is unusual.

Customize bar or available plates Optional: use this only when your rack is missing plates or your bar is different.

Available plates

Enter the total number of plates you have for each size. Singles are ignored because both sides must stay balanced.

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HOW TO USE IT

Start with the target, not the plate rack.

A plate calculator is fastest when it gives you the likely loading options first. Use the generated setup options, then customize only if your bar or rack is different.

Enter the loaded bar target. Use the full weight you want on the bar, including the bar itself.
Compare the available setups. LogWise shows one, two, or three distinct balanced loads depending on what can be built for the target.
Customize only when needed. If your gym is missing plates or your bar is unusual, open the custom panel and adjust the rack.

WHY LOG IT

Loading the bar is the moment before the set. Tracking starts right after.

Once the set is done, save the real reps, weight, and RIR so next week's target is based on history instead of memory.

Repeat exact loads

Consistent bar weights make strength progress easier to compare across weeks.

Plan jumps cleanly

Use small plates to move from 100 kg to 102.5 kg without guessing what belongs on the bar.

Keep PR context

LogWise keeps the weight, reps, notes, and estimated 1RM together after the bar is unloaded.

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Use the loaded bar with better training numbers.

Estimate strength, calculate volume, or keep a printable backup sheet.

FAQ

Barbell plate questions

How do I calculate plates per side?

Subtract the bar weight from your target, divide by two, then load that amount on each side using the largest useful plates first.

What if my bar is not 20 kg or 45 lb?

Edit the bar weight field. The calculator works for training bars, women's Olympic bars, trap bars, safety squat bars, or any custom bar weight.

Why does the calculator show a closest load?

Your target may not be possible with the plates you entered. In that case, the result shows the closest loaded bar weight available from your inventory.

Load the bar. Log the set.

Start a free workout log in LogWise and keep your sets, reps, weights, PRs, and notes in one clean place.

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