Gym Plate Loading Calculator
Exact plates per side for any barbell target.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Per side
- 1 x 25 + 1 x 15 + 1 x 1.25
- Weight per side
- 41.25 kg
- Leftover (cannot load)
- 0 kg
- Total loaded
- 102.5 kg
Quick answer
Subtract the bar weight, halve the remainder, then load the largest plates that fit from each side.
per side = (target - bar) / 2
How to use the Gym Plate Loading Calculator
- 1Enter the total weight you want on the bar.
- 2Set the bar weight — 20 kg or 45 lb for a standard Olympic bar.
- 3Load the largest plates first, closest to the collar.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Target weight102.5 kg
- Bar weight20 kg
- Plate setKilograms
Results
- Per side1 x 25 + 1 x 15 + 1 x 1.25
- Weight per side41.25 kg
- Leftover (cannot load)0 kg
- Total loaded102.5 kg
Frequently asked questions
Why is there leftover weight?
Your target is not reachable with standard plates; adjust by the smallest increment available.
Do collars count?
Competition collars add 2.5 kg each; add 5 kg to the bar weight if you use them.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.