Barbell Side Loading CalculatorFree online fitness & health calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Calculate equal plate weight per side after accounting for bar and collars.
For general information only. This is not medical advice, diagnosis, dosing guidance or a treatment recommendation. Talk to a doctor or other qualified health professional about your health, pregnancy, or diet.
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About the Barbell Side Loading Calculator
The Barbell Side Loading Calculator determines how much plate weight to place on each side of a barbell to reach a target total load. It subtracts the bar weight and the combined weight of both collars before dividing the remaining weight equally between the two sides.
- Target total load (kg)
- The desired total weight of the loaded barbell, including the bar, all plates, and both collars, in kilograms; the default is 100 kg.
- Bar weight (kg)
- The weight of the unloaded barbell in kilograms; the default is 20 kg.
- Combined collar weight (kg)
- The total weight of both collars together in kilograms, not the weight of one collar; the default is 0 kg.
Formula and method
P = (T − B − C) / 2
- PPlate weight required on each side, in kilograms.
- TTarget total load, including the bar, plates, and collars, in kilograms.
- BUnloaded bar weight, in kilograms.
- CCombined weight of both collars, in kilograms.
Subtract the bar weight and combined collar weight from the target total load to find the total weight that must come from plates. Divide that remainder by two to obtain equal plate weight per side. With the default inputs, P = (100 − 20 − 0) / 2 = 40 kg per side.
Worked example
These are the calculator's starting values and the results it actually produces for them.
Inputs
- Target total load100 kg
- Bar weight20 kg
- Combined collar weight0 kg
Results
- Plate weight per side40 kg
How to use the Barbell Side Loading Calculator
- 1Enter the target total load in kilograms, including the bar, plates, and both collars; the default is 100 kg.
- 2Enter the unloaded bar weight in kilograms; the default is 20 kg.
- 3Enter the combined weight of both collars in kilograms; the default is 0 kg.
- 4Check that all entries are nonnegative and that the target load is at least the bar weight plus the combined collar weight.
- 5Read the plate weight per side and select plates totaling that amount for each side; the default inputs require 40 kg of plates on each side.
Reading your result
The “Plate weight per side” output is the total plate weight to load onto each end of the bar, excluding the bar and collars. With the default inputs, 40 kg means 40 kg of plates on the left and 40 kg on the right: 20 kg of bar + 40 kg + 40 kg + 0 kg of collars = 100 kg total. A result of zero means no plates are needed; a negative calculated value means the target is below the bar-and-collar weight and cannot be achieved with those components.
Limitations
The calculation assumes equal plate weight on both sides and, for balanced loading, equal collar weight on each side. It does not choose plate combinations, account for available plate sizes, or check sleeve space or equipment load ratings. Some results may not be achievable with the plates available. Actual total weight depends on the accuracy of the entered bar, plate, and collar weights. The result is a loading calculation, not a recommendation of a safe lifting weight.
Common questions
Does the target total load include the bar and collars?+
Yes. The target includes the bar, all plates, and both collars. The calculator subtracts the bar and collars so their weight is not counted again as plates.
Should I enter one collar's weight or both collars' weight?+
Enter the combined weight of both collars. The default of 0 kg means collar weight is not included in the calculation; use the actual combined weight when accounting for collars.
Why does the default target of 100 kg require only 40 kg per side?+
The 20 kg bar already contributes to the 100 kg target, and the default combined collar weight is 0 kg. That leaves 80 kg for plates, divided equally into 40 kg per side.
Does the calculator tell me which plates to put on each side?+
No. It gives the required total plate weight per side, not a plate-by-plate loading plan. Choose matching plate combinations that reach that amount; if your available plates cannot do so, adjust the target to an achievable load.
Does the calculator save my information?+
Calculations run in your browser. While signed in, inputs and results are automatically recorded in account history; saving a result creates a separate saved record.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, medical or legal advice.