Barbell plate calculator
Which plates to load on each side to reach a target weight.
Fill in the fields and the result will appear here automatically.
Find a symmetric plate combination: the tool selects the greatest achievable load no higher than your target, then the fewest plates for that load. Denominations have an unlimited supply of pairs; your actual inventory counts are not entered. Check that matching pairs and sleeve space are available.
How it works
Formula and logic
Each side needs (target−bar)/2. Integer-gram dynamic programming examines reachable sums, choosing the closest below the target and the fewest plates at that sum. Limits: 32 denominations, target/bar 0–1000 kg, plates 0.001–1000 kg to 0.001 kg precision. These are product limits, not sporting rules.
Example
100 kg with a 20 kg bar needs 40 kg per side: 25+15. For target 32 kg, bar 20 kg and plates 4 and 3 kg, each side needs 6 kg: 3+3 is exact; greedily selecting 4 would leave a shortfall.
Fields and units
- Target weight — kg
- Bar weight — kg
- Available plates, one weight per token — kg
How to use
- — Enter total target load including the bar, and bar mass including any collars you account for.
- — List positive denominations separated by spaces or semicolons; 2.5 is one denomination.
- — Compare actual load, target and total shortfall.
- — Check matching pairs before loading; inputs support up to 1000 kg and three decimal places.
Method and limitations
- Calculation method
- Formula and logic
- Data or methodology source
- IWF: competition bar and collar masses, not all gym equipment
- Limitation
- Denomination selection assumes unlimited pairs and does not check inventory, sleeve capacity or a safe training load.
FAQ
Why are plates displayed from largest to smallest?
That is the display order. A full search determines the minimum count, rather than always choosing the largest first.
What if the exact target load is impossible?
The greatest achievable load below the target and its total shortfall are shown; the tool never rounds above the target.
Are plate entries per side or in total?
Enter each denomination once. Its quantity is unlimited in the model, so check that enough matching pairs actually exist.
How do I account for a different bar?
Enter its actual mass. IWF men’s bars are 20 kg and women’s bars 15 kg; not every gym bar follows that specification.
How do I include collars?
Add both collars’ combined mass to the bar. Two IWF collars at 2.5 kg each add 5 kg; other collars may differ.