If you’re setting up a home gym or just getting into weightlifting, one of the first questions you’ll have is: how much do most barbells weigh? Knowing the standard weight specifications for barbells is crucial for tracking your lifts accurately and planning your workouts safely.
It might seem simple, but the answer isn’t always straightforward. The weight can vary a lot depending on the type of bar you pick up. Let’s clear up the confusion so you can lift with confidence.
How Much Do Most Barbells Weigh – Standard Weight Specifications For
The standard Olympic barbell you see in most commercial gyms weighs 45 pounds (20.4 kg). This is the most common barbell globally. It’s 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) long, has a 28-32mm shaft diameter, and features rotating sleeves to hold weight plates.
But that’s just the start. Many other bars have different standard weights. Always check the specs or weigh the bar yourself if you’re unsure. Guessing can throw off your training numbers.
Types of Barbells and Their Standard Weights
Different bars are designed for different purposes. Their weight is part of their design.
- Olympic Barbell (Men’s): 45 lbs (20.4 kg). The universal standard for powerlifting, weightlifting, and general training.
- Olympic Barbell (Women’s): 33 lbs (15 kg). Slightly shorter and thinner in diameter to fit smaller hands.
- Training Bar / Technique Bar: Often 15 lbs (6.8 kg) or 22 lbs (10 kg). Great for beginners, youth, or practicing technique with lighter loads.
- EZ Curl Bar: Typically weighs between 15-25 lbs (7-11 kg). The wavy design relieves stress on the wrists during curls and tricep exercises.
- Trap Bar / Hex Bar: Usually 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg). Weight varies widely by model due to its large frame. Always verify.
- Tricep Bar: Generally 15-20 lbs (7-9 kg). A short, U-shaped bar for skull crushers and kickbacks.
Why Bar Weight Isn’t Always 45 Pounds
Many factors influence a barbell’s final weight. The material, sleeve type, and knurling all add up. A bar with aggressive knurling and high-end bearings will have a slightly different weight than a basic bushing bar.
Specialty bars, like safety squat bars, can weigh up to 70 pounds due to their extra padding and cambered design. Don’t assume—always check.
How to Find Out Your Barbell’s Exact Weight
If your bar isn’t marked, here’s a simple way to find out.
- Look for Markings: Many bars have the weight engraved on the sleeve end or the shaft near the collar.
- Check the Manufacturer’s Website: The model number should be listed in the product specifications online.
- Weigh It Yourself: The most reliable method. Use a bathroom scale.
- Step on the scale alone and note your weight.
- Step off, pick up the bar, and step back on the scale.
- Subtract your weight from the new total. That’s the bar’s weight.
Weight Plate Math: Calculating Your Total Load
Once you know your bar’s weight, adding plates is easy. But you need to know plate standards too. In most gyms, the big colored plates follow this code:
- Red: 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Blue: 45 lbs (20 kg)
- Yellow: 35 lbs (15 kg)
- Green: 25 lbs (10 kg)
- White: 10 lbs (5 kg)
- Smaller change plates (1.25, 2.5, 5 lbs) are usually black or chrome.
So, a bar with one red plate and one blue plate on each side isn’t 100 lbs total. Here’s the math for a standard 45-lb bar:
Bar: 45 lbs
Two 55-lb plates: 110 lbs
Two 45-lb plates: 90 lbs
Total: 245 lbs
Always count the weight on both sleeves. A common mistake is to only count one side and double it, forgetting the bar itself.
Choosing the Right Barbell for Your Goals
Your training focus should guide your bar choice. The weight of the bar is a key feature, not just an afterthought.
For Olympic Weightlifting (snatch, clean & jerk), use a dedicated weightlifting bar. These have more whip (flex) and spin to help you catch the weight. A men’s bar is 20kg and a womens is 15kg.
For Powerlifting (squat, bench, deadlift), a power bar is best. It’s stiffer, has aggressive knurling, and often weighs 45 lbs. It’s built to handle very heavy loads without bending much.
For General Strength Training, a versatile multi-purpose bar (usually 45 lbs) is perfect. It can handle a bit of everything safely.
For Home Gym Beginners, a lighter training bar (22 lbs) is a smart investment. It lets you learn form without the intimation of a heavy 45-lb bar from day one.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Let’s fix a few frequent errors people make with barbell weight.
- “All 7-foot bars are 45 pounds.” False. While common, many 7-foot bars are lighter, especially those made for home use.
- “The weight on the plate is always exact.” Plates can be slightly off, especially older or worn ones. For most training, it’s fine, but be aware.
- “I don’t need to count the bar.” Always count the bar! Your 135-pound bench press is a 45-lb bar with a 45-lb plate on each side.
- “Hex bars weigh the same as straight bars.” They almost always weigh more due to their steel frame. Never assume it’s 45 lbs.
Maintaining Your Barbell
A well-kept bar will last for decades. Proper maintenance also ensures the weight and balance remain true.
- Wipe down the bar after each use with a dry cloth to remove sweat and chalk.
- Use a stiff brush on the knurling occasionally to keep it from getting clogged.
- For bare steel bars, apply a thin coat of oil periodically to prevent rust.
- Store your bar horizontally on a good rack, not leaning in a corner. This prevents bending.
- Check the sleeves regularly. If they stop spinning smoothly, they may need servicing.
Ignoring maintenance can lead to permanent damage. A rusty, pitted bar can ruin your plates and your hands.
FAQ: Your Barbell Weight Questions Answered
Is a deadlift bar heavier than a standard bar?
No, a dedicated deadlift bar typically weighs 45 pounds as well. However, it is longer and more flexible, which can make it feel different, but the starting weight is the same.
How much does a Smith machine bar weigh?
The bar on a Smith machine is counterbalanced. It often has effectively zero weight, but this varies. Check your specific machine’s manual—it can range from 0 to 25 lbs of resistance.
What if my gym’s bar feels lighter than 45?
It might be! Some gyms use 35-lb “barbells” for group classes or certain areas. When in doubt, ask a staff member or use the weighing method described earlier.
Are kilo plates different?
Yes, in a gym that uses kilo plates, the standard men’s Olympic bar weighs 20 kg (44.1 lbs), and the women’s bar is 15 kg (33.1 lbs). The plates will be in kilo increments (25kg, 20kg, 15kg, etc.). The math works the same way.
Do bumper plates change the bar weight?
No, bumper plates only change the total load you put on the bar. The bar’s own weight remains unchanged. They are designed to be dropped safely, not to alter the bar.
Understanding barbell weights is a fundamental part of training. It ensures your progress is measured accurately and keeps your workouts safe. Start by identifying the bars in your gym, know their standard weight, and always include it in your calculations. This knowledge is just as important as your form. Now you can load your bar correctly and focus on getting stronger.