If you’re setting up a home gym or just getting into weightlifting, one of the first questions you might have is how heavy are olympic barbells. Understanding the standard weight of this essential piece of equipment is crucial for tracking your lifts and planning your workouts safely.
The quick answer is that a standard Olympic barbell used by men in competition weighs 20 kilograms, or about 44 pounds. A women’s Olympic barbell is lighter, typically weighing 15 kilograms, or roughly 33 pounds. But there’s more to the story, as different bars are designed for different purposes.
How Heavy Are Olympic Barbells
Let’s break down the specifics. The term “Olympic barbell” refers to a bar designed to fit the official Olympic weightlifting plates, which have a 2-inch (50.8mm) sleeve diameter. The bar’s weight, however, isn’t just a random number. It’s a carefully engineered standard that ensures fairness in competition and safety in the gym.
The men’s 20kg bar is the one you’ll see most often in commercial gyms and in events like the snatch and clean & jerk. It’s 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) long, with a 28mm shaft diameter. The women’s 15kg bar is slightly shorter at 6.6 feet (2.01 meters) and has a thinner 25mm shaft, which is better suited for smaller hands.
Why the Standard Weight Matters
Knowing the exact weight of your barbell is non-negotiable for proper training. If you think you’re lifting 100 pounds but aren’t accounting for the bar, you’re actually lifting 144 pounds with a men’s bar. That’s a huge difference and can lead to injury or missed goals.
Accurate tracking is key for progressive overload. You need to know exactly how much weight is on the bar each session to ensure you are getting stronger. It also ensures fairness in competition, where every athlete lifts with the same basic equipment.
Common Types of Olympic Barbells and Their Weights
Not all Olympic bars are created equal. While the 20kg and 15kg bars are the gold standard, several other specialized bars have different weights. Here’s a quick guide:
* Men’s Olympic Weightlifting Bar: 20kg / 44 lbs. This is the stiffest and has the most aggressive knurling for a secure grip during explosive lifts.
* Women’s Olympic Weightlifting Bar: 15kg / 33 lbs. More whip (flex) than the men’s bar to assist with the faster movements in the Olympic lifts.
* Power Bar: 20kg / 44 lbs. Shorter, less aggressive knurling, and much less whip. It’s built for stability during heavy squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.
* Technique Bar / Training Bar: Often 10kg / 22 lbs or 15kg / 33 lbs. These are lighter bars designed for beginners, youths, or for practicing technique with out heavy weight.
* Trap/Hex Bar: Weight varies widely (25kg to 45 lbs is common). This is for trap bar deadlifts and its weight is usually stamped on the frame.
Always check the end cap of a barbell. Reputable manufacturers stamp the weight and other specifications right on the bar.
How to Verify Your Barbell’s Weight
Don’t just assume your gym’s bar is exactly 20kg. Wear and tear, different brands, and cheap equipment can lead to variations. Here’s how you can check:
1. Check the End Cap: Look for the weight stamp first. This is the easiest method.
2. Use a Scale: If there’s no stamp, place each end of the bar on a bathroom scale. Add the two weights together for the total. For a more accurate reading, use a single industrial scale if available.
3. Consult the Manufacturer: For home gym equipment, the product manual or website will list the exact weight.
4. Compare to Known Plates: This is a rough method. Load each side with a known 20kg plate and perform a simple lift. If it feels significantly heavier than 60kg total, the bar may be over its stated weight.
Taking a minute to verify can save you from a lot of confusion in your training log.
The Difference Between Olympic Bars and Standard Bars
This is a common point of confusion. “Standard” barbells are not Olympic bars. They are typically lighter, shorter, and have 1-inch sleeves that fit smaller, standard weight plates. A standard bar often weighs between 10 to 20 pounds.
You cannot put Olympic plates on a standard bar sleeve. Mixing these systems is a recipe for wobbly, unsafe lifts. Always know which type of bar and plates you are using.
Caring for Your Olympic Barbell
A well-maintained bar will last a lifetime and perform consistently. Neglect can change its feel and even its effective weight due to rust and debris buildup. Follow these simple steps:
* Clean it Regularly: Wipe down the knurling with a dry brush after each use to remove chalk, sweat, and skin cells.
* Oil the Sleeves: Apply a light coat of barbell oil or 3-in-1 oil to the sleeves every few months to keep the spin smooth.
* Store it Properly: Keep the bar on a good rack, not leaning against a wall or on the floor. This prevents bending.
* Avoid Moisture: Don’t leave it in a damp garage without protection. Rust can seize the sleeves and ruin the knurling.
A little maintenance goes a long way in preserving your investment.
Choosing the Right Bar for Your Goals
Your training focus should dictate which bar you use most often. Here’s a simple guide:
* For Olympic Weightlifting (Snatch, Clean & Jerk): Use a dedicated men’s or women’s Olympic weightlifting bar. The whip and knurling are essential.
* For Powerlifting (Squat, Bench, Deadlift): A power bar is your best bet. Its stiffness is safer under maximal loads.
* For General Strength Training: A men’s 20kg Olympic bar is a versatile choice. A multi-purpose bar that balances whip and stiffness is great for most people.
* For Beginners or Youth Athletes: Start with a technique bar. It allows you to learn form without the intimidation of a heavy 20kg bar.
Investing in the right tool makes your training more effective and much more enjoyable.
FAQ: Your Barbell Weight Questions Answered
Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions about barbell weights.
Q: Is an Olympic bar always 45 pounds?
A: Almost, but not exactly. A men’s Olympic bar is 20kg, which converts to 44.09 pounds. Most people in the U.S. just call it 45 pounds for simplicity, but it’s good to know the precise metric weight.
Q: How much does an empty Olympic barbell weigh?
A: An empty men’s Olympic barbell weighs 20kg (44 lbs). An empty women’s Olympic barbell weighs 15kg (33 lbs). “Empty” means with no plates added.
Q: Do you count the bar weight when lifting?
A: Yes, always. The total weight you lift is the sum of the barbell’s weight plus all the plates on both sides. Not counting it means your training numbers are inaccurate.
Q: Are all 7-foot barbells 45 pounds?
A: No. While many 7-foot bars are 20kg, some are lighter, especially cheaper or specialty bars. Always verify the weight; don’t go by length alone.
Q: What’s the total weight of a standard Olympic plate set?
A: A typical 300-pound set includes one 45lb bar (which is really ~44lbs), two 45lb plates, two 35lb, two 25lb, two 10lb, two 5lb, and two 2.5lb plates. The plates add up to 255 pounds, plus the bar gets you to roughly 300 pounds.
Q: Can a barbell’s weight change over time?
A: The actual mass won’t change, but rust, dirt, and damaged sleeves can make it feel different. Proper maintenance keeps it performing like new.
Understanding how heavy are olympic barbells is a fundamental piece of fitness knowledge. It ensures your safety, improves your tracking, and helps you choose the right equipment. Whether you’re lifting on a precise 20kg competition bar or a well-worn gym bar, knowing its true weight puts you in control of your progress. Now you can load your next lift with confidence.