If you’re new to the gym, you might look at the barbell rack and wonder what are the weights of barbells. The answer isn’t as simple as one number, as barbells come in different types and standards. Knowing the weight of the bar you’re lifting is crucial for tracking your total load accurately and training safely.
What Are The Weights Of Barbells
This is the core question. A barbell’s total weight is the combination of the bar itself and the weight plates you load onto it. The bar itself has a significant weight that you must account for from the start. Forgetting to include the bar’s weight is a common mistake that can throw off your progression.
Standard Barbell Types and Their Weights
Most commercial gyms use what’s called an Olympic barbell. But even within that category, there are variations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common bars you’ll encounter.
- The Men’s Olympic Barbell (20 kg / 45 lbs): This is the bar you see in most gyms and used in men’s weightlifting competitions. It weighs 20 kilograms, which is approximately 45 pounds. It is 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) long with a 51mm sleeve diameter to fit Olympic plates.
- The Women’s Olympic Barbell (15 kg / 33 lbs): Slightly shorter and thinner than the men’s bar, this one weighs 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds). Its length is 6.6 feet (2.01 meters), and the shaft diameter is smaller to suit a women’s grip.
- The Training Barbell (15-20 kg / 33-45 lbs): Often found in general fitness settings, these bars are built to Olympic specifications but may be more durable and less whippy. They typically weight 20kg, but some may be lighter at 15kg.
Specialty Barbells and Their Weights
Beyond the standard Olympic bars, you’ll find many specialty bars designed for specific movements. Their weights can vary widely by brand and model.
- EZ Curl Bar: Designed for bicep curls and tricep extensions, these wavy bars reduce strain on the wrists. They usually weigh between 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). Always check the stamp on the bar or the gym’s equipment guide.
- Trap Bar (Hex Bar): Excellent for deadlifts and shrugs, this bar has a hexagonal shape you stand inside. Trap bars commonly weight between 25-30 kg (55-66 lbs), but some open-ended versions can be lighter.
- Safety Squat Bar: This bar has padded cambered arms and places the load in front of you, which is great for squats if you have shoulder issues. They are notably heavier, often weighing 25-30 kg (55-66 lbs).
How to Determine Your Barbell’s Weight
Don’t just assume. Here is a step-by-step guide to figure out exactly what you’re lifting.
- Look for a Stamp or Engraving: First, check the end of the barbell sleeve or the center of the shaft. Manufacturers often stamp the weight and brand here. It might say “20kg” or “45LB.”
- Check the Gym’s Information: Many gyms have charts or labels on the rack that specify the weight of each type of bar. If your unsure, ask a staff member—they should know.
- Use a Scale: If there’s no marking and no one to ask, you can carefully weigh the bar on a large floor scale. Place the scale on a flat surface and balance the bar on it.
- Know the Visual Cues: A men’s Olympic bar has two sets of knurling rings. The distance between the inner rings is 81cm, which is the standard for Olympic weightlifting. A women’s bar has one set of rings in the center.
Why Barbell Weight Matters for Your Training
Accurately knowing the bar weight is not just a technicality; it’s fundamental for effective training. It effects everything from your starting point to your long-term goals.
- Accurate Load Calculation: When your program says to squat 100 kg, that includes the bar. If you put 80 kg of plates on a 20 kg bar, you’ve hit your target. If you used a 15 kg bar by mistake, you’re only lifting 95 kg total.
- Progressive Overload: To get stronger, you need to gradually increase the weight you lift. If you don’t know the bar’s weight, you can’t track these small increases precisely, which can slow your progress.
- Exercise Selection: The weight of a specialty bar changes the exercise. A 30 kg trap bar deadlift feels different than a 20 kg straight bar deadlift, even with the same plates, due to the different starting position and bar weight.
Common Weight Plate Systems and Totals
Understanding plates helps you calculate your total lift. Plates come in metric (kg) and imperial (lb) systems. It’s important to not mix them, as it will make your math incorrect.
Here’s a quick reference for adding plates to a standard 20kg/45lb bar:
- One plate per side (20kg/45lb plate): 60 kg / 135 lbs total
- Two plates per side (40kg/90lb of plates): 100 kg / 225 lbs total
- Three plates per side (60kg/135lb of plates): 140 kg / 315 lbs total
- Four plates per side (80kg/180lb of plates): 180 kg / 405 lbs total
Remember, these totals assume a 20kg/45lb bar. Always start your calculation with the bar’s weight first, then add the plates. Keeping a notes in your phone can help until this becomes second nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a standard barbell weigh?
In most commercial gyms, a “standard” barbell is a men’s Olympic bar weighing 20 kg or 45 lbs. Always verify, as “standard” can sometimes refer to a lighter, 1-inch diameter bar used with older plate systems.
Is a barbell 20 kg or 45 lbs?
A men’s Olympic barbell is manufactured to be 20 kg. Its imperial equivalent is approximately 44.1 pounds, but it is universally called and treated as a 45-pound bar in the United States and other countries using the imperial system.
Do you count the bar weight?
Yes, always. The total weight you lift is the sum of the barbell and all the plates on it. Not counting the bar is a major error that will make your training loads inaccurate.
How much does a squat bar weigh?
A dedicated squat bar is often thicker and less whippy than an Olympic bar. They typically weigh 25 kg (55 lbs) but can vary. Powerlifting bars used for squat, bench, and deadlift are usually the standard 20 kg.
What is the weight of a curl bar?
An EZ curl bar typically weighs between 10 kg (22 lbs) and 15 kg (33 lbs). The weight can differ significantly between brands, so checking for a stamp or asking your gym is the best approach.
Tips for Beginners and Gym Etiquette
Starting out can be intimidating, but a few simple practices will help you feel confident and be respectful to others.
- Always Rerack Your Weights: After using a bar, remove all plates and return them to the correct storage posts. Leave the bar on the rack or in it’s designated area.
- Use Collars: Clamp your weight plates on with collars or clips. This prevents plates from sliding off during lifts, which is a serious safety hazard for you and people nearby.
- Start Light: Begin with just the bar to learn the movement pattern. This is especially important for technical lifts like the clean, snatch, or even the squat and bench press.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: If you can’t find the weight of a specialty bar, ask a trainer or experienced lifter. Most are happy to help someone who is being safe and conscientious.
Knowing what are the weights of barbells is a fundamental piece of gym literacy. It empowers you to train with precision, track your progress honestly, and ensures your safety. Take a moment to identify the bars at your gym—it’s a small step that makes a big difference in your fitness journey. Next time you approach the rack, you’ll know exactly what you’re picking up.