Work out the plates needed on each side of a bar. The target includes the bar, both collars and all plates. Choose kilograms or pounds first: changing the unit resets the example and equipment presets.
How the calculation works
Plate weight per side = (target − bar − both collars) ÷ 2. The tool uses the largest available plates first, with an unlimited supply of the displayed denominations. It does not know your gym's inventory or sleeve capacity. It never quietly rounds up: a remainder means the exact target cannot be built using this preset.
Example: 242.5 kg
With a 20 kg bar and two 2.5 kg collars, the plates must weigh 217.5 kg in total, or 108.75 kg per side. Each side gets four 25 kg plates, one 5 kg plate, one 2.5 kg plate and one 1.25 kg plate. Check: 20 + 5 + 2 × 108.75 = 242.5 kg.
Common loading mistakes
- Entering one collar's weight into the field labelled both collars.
- Assuming a 45 lb bar is exactly 20 kg. Use the equipment's marked mass and matching units.
- Counting the per-side result only once, or loading unequal sides.
Before lifting
Confirm the actual bar and collar masses, available plates, sleeve space and secure loading. Zero collar weight means their mass is excluded from the arithmetic; it is not an instruction to lift without securing the plates.
Does this choose my training weight?
No. It only decomposes a weight you enter. Use the percentage calculator for working weights or the attempt planner for an editable meet-day worksheet.