If you’re new to the gym, you might look at a barbell and wonder, how heavy are barbells without weights? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think, because it depends entirely on the type of bar you’re picking up. Knowing this starting weight is crucial for tracking your true lifts and choosing the right load for your workout.
A standard Olympic barbell, the one you see on most gym floors, has a specific weight when it’s empty. But other bars, like those used for curl or women’s Olympic lifts, are designed to be lighter. This guide will give you the clear, practical specs you need so you can walk into any gym with confidence.
How Heavy Are Barbells Without Weights
The most common barbell you’ll encounter is the men’s Olympic barbell. Its standard weight is 20 kilograms, which converts to approximately 44 pounds. This is the bar used for squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and overhead presses in most commercial and home gyms. It’s 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) long and has a 28-32mm shaft diameter with rotating sleeves to hold the weight plates.
But that’s just one type. Here’s a quick list of the most common barbells and their empty weights:
* Men’s Olympic Barbell: 20 kg / 44 lbs
* Women’s Olympic Barbell: 15 kg / 33 lbs
* Technique Bar / Training Bar: 10-15 kg / 22-33 lbs
* EZ Curl Bar: 10-15 kg / 22-33 lbs
* Trap Bar / Hex Bar: 25-30 kg / 55-66 lbs
* Standard 1-inch Barbell: 5-10 kg / 11-22 lbs
Breaking Down Olympic Barbell Specifications
Let’s look closer at the two main Olympic bars. Their design differences are intentional for the sports of weightlifting and powerlifting.
The men’s Olympic bar is built for heavy loads. Its 20kg weight, 28-32mm thickness, and aggressive knurling (the grippy pattern) provide a secure hold. The sleeves spin easily to reduce torque on your wrists during dynamic lifts like the snatch and clean & jerk. When you load 45-pound (20kg) plates onto each side, you’re actually starting with 44 lbs of bar plus 90 lbs of plates, totaling 134 pounds.
The women’s Olympic bar is 15kg (33 lbs). It is also slightly shorter and has a thinner shaft diameter (25mm) to better suit typically smaller hand sizes. This allows for a more secure and comfortable grip during high-skill lifts. Always check which bar you’re using, as the 5kg (11 lb) difference significantly impacts your total.
Specialty Bars and Their Empty Weights
Gyms have other bars for specific purposes. Their empty weight is just as important to know for your training log.
An EZ curl bar is designed for arm and preacher curls. Its wavy shape reduces strain on your wrists. Most weigh between 10 and 15 kilograms (22-33 lbs). Because it’s shorter, it often feels lighter, but don’t forget to account for it.
A trap bar, or hex bar, is fantastic for deadlifts. You stand inside it. These bars are surprisingly heavy on their own, usually ranging from 25 to 30 kilograms (55-66 lbs). The weight can vary a lot between brands, so if precise tracking matters, ask your gym or check the manufacturer’s specs.
Don’t Forget The “Standard” Barbell
You might find these in older gyms or home setups. They are thinner, with 1-inch diameter sleeves that fit plates with a 1-inch hole. They are much lighter, often between 5 and 10 kilograms (11-22 lbs). They are not built for the extreme loads of Olympic bars and can bend or break if overloaded. The plates used on them are also usually lighter and labeled in pounds.
Why Knowing The Bar Weight Matters
You might think this is just trivia, but it’s actually a key part of smart training. First, it’s essential for accurate progression. If you bench press with 50-pound plates on each side of a 44-lb bar, your total is 144 pounds, not 100. Not counting the bar sellf means you’re not tracking your real progress.
Second, it matters for exercise selection. A beginner might struggle to overhead press a 44-lb Olympic bar. In that case, starting with dumbbells or using a lighter 15kg women’s bar or technique bar is a smarter and safer choice. Knowing the bar weight helps you pick the right tool.
Finally, it’s crucial for safety. Attempting to load a standard 1-inch bar with several hundred pounds is a recipe for the bar to buckle. Understanding the equipment limits protects you and those around you.
How to Identify an Unmarked Barbell’s Weight
Sometimes a bar has no labels. Here’s a step-by-step guide to figuring out what you’re holding.
1. Measure the sleeve diameter. Use a caliper or a ruler. If the sleeve where the plates go is about 2 inches (50mm), it’s an Olympic-style bar. If it’s about 1 inch (25mm), it’s a standard bar.
2. Check the bar length. A full 7-foot bar is almost certainly an Olympic bar. A shorter bar, around 4-6 feet, is likely a curl bar or technique bar.
3. Weigh it. The most direct method is to simply pick it up and stand on a bathroom scale. Note your weight alone, then your weight holding the bar. Subtract the difference. For a more precise measure, some gyms have a dedicated floor scale.
4. Compare to a known weight. If you know a dumbbell weighs 25 lbs, lift it in one hand and the bar in the other. You can get a rough feel for whether the bar is heavier, lighter, or similar.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
A big mistake is assuming all bars weigh 45 pounds. This leads to miscalculated workouts. Another error is confusing pounds and kilograms. Remember, a 20kg bar is 44 lbs, not 40. Always clarify which unit is being used in your gym.
Also, the color of the bar does not indicate its weight. A black bar could be 20kg or 15kg. A blue bar is often a women’s bar, but not always. Rely on the end caps or measurements, not the color.
Some people also forget to include the weight of collars or clips that hold the plates on. While usually small (0.5 to 2 lbs each), they add up if you’re using heavy spring collars. For most trainees, it’s fine to ignore them, but competitive lifters account for everything.
FAQ: Your Barbell Weight Questions Answered
Q: How much does a typical 7-foot Olympic barbell weigh?
A: A typical men’s 7-foot Olympic barbell weighs 20kg or 44 pounds. A women’s Olympic barbell is 15kg or about 33 pounds.
Q: Is a curl bar lighter than a straight bar?
A: Yes, almost always. An EZ curl bar usually weighs between 10kg (22 lbs) and 15kg (33 lbs), making it lighter than a full Olympic bar.
Q: Do I count the bar weight when calculating my lift?
A: Yes, absolutely. The total weight you lift includes the bar plus all plates and collars on it. This is the standard way to record your lifts.
Q: Why are there different barbell weights?
A: Different weights suit different purposes, user strengths, and sports. Lighter bars are better for beginners, technical lifts, or accessory exercises, while heavier bars are built for maximum load.
Q: How heavy is a Smith machine bar?
A: This varies widely. The bar on a Smith machine is counterbalanced, so it often feels like it weighs nothing or just 10-25 pounds. You must check the specific machine’s manual or placard, as the effective starting weight is not standard.
Q: What’s the weight of a standard 1-inch home gym barbell?
A: These are much lighter, typically in the range of 5 to 10 kilograms (11 to 22 pounds). They are not as sturdy as Olympic bars.
In conclusion, never assume a barbell’s weight. Taking a moment to identify whether you’re using a 44-lb, 33-lb, or 22-lb bar makes you a more informed and effective lifter. It ensures your programming is accurate and helps you choose the right tool for your goals and safety. Now you can approach that bar with knowledge and add your plates knowing exactly what you’re about to lift.