How Much Do Different Barbells Weigh

If you’re setting up your home gym or walking into a new fitness facility, a key question is: how much do different barbells weigh? Knowing the weight of the bar itself is crucial for tracking your true lifts and planning your workouts safely. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think, because barbells are not one-size-fits-all.

From the Olympic bars you see on TV to the fixed-weight bars in a hotel gym, the variance is huge. Using the wrong assumption can throw off your entire training program. Let’s clear up the confusion and give you the exact numbers you need to train with confidence.

This is the core question. The standard answer for a typical “Olympic” barbell is 45 pounds (20 kg). However, that’s just the starting point. Many other types exist, and their weight depends on their design, purpose, and construction.

Always remember: the weight marked on the plates you add does not include the bar. The total load is bar weight plus plate weight. Forgetting to account for the bar is a very common mistake for beginners.

The Standard Olympic Barbell (Men’s & Women’s)

These are the bars used in most commercial gyms and for serious weightlifting. They have rotating sleeves (the ends) to help with the physics of lifts like the snatch and clean & jerk.

Men’s Olympic Barbell: 20 kg (44.1 lbs). It’s commonly referred to as a 45-pound bar. It is 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) long with a 28-29mm shaft diameter.
Women’s Olympic Barbell: 15 kg (33.1 lbs). It is slightly shorter and has a thinner 25mm diameter shaft for a better grip.
Weight Tolerance: High-quality bars are very precise, but cheaper bars might be a pound or so off the stated weight.

Specialty Olympic Bars

These bars follow the same basic length and sleeve design but are built for specific training goals. Their weight often deviates from the standard 45 lbs.

Deadlift Bar: Longer and more whippy (flexible). Typically weighs 44 lbs (20 kg) but feels different due to flex.
Squat Bar: Thicker, stiffer, and often heavier. Can weigh up to 55 lbs (25 kg) to reduce whip during heavy squats.
Power Bar: Stiff, with aggressive knurling. Usually a true 45 lbs (20 kg).
Trap/Hex Bar: You stand inside this bar. Weight varies widely from 45 to 70 lbs. Always check the manufacturer’s specs.

Why Bar Weight Matters for Your Logbook

Accurate logging is key for progress. If you log “225 lb bench press” but used a 35 lb bar, your true lift was 205 lbs of plates plus the 35 lb bar, totalling 240 lbs. That’s a big difference that will mess up your planning for next week. Consistency is everything, so know your bar.

Standard Barbells (1-inch bars)

These are common in older gyms, home setups, and with cheap weight sets. They are lighter and have non-rotating sleeves.

Common Weight: These bars usually weigh between 15 to 25 pounds. There is no strict standard.
How to Identify: The plates have a 1-inch diameter hole. The bar is thinner and often shorter than an Olympic bar.
Important: Never mix Olympic plates (2-inch holes) with a standard bar. They are incompatible and unsafe.

Fixed Weight Barbells & Pre-Loaded Bars

These are the all-in-one bars you see on racks, often in colors. The weight is permanent.

Typical Range: They come in fixed increments like 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 100 pounds.
The Catch: The stated weight is the total weight. The bar is included. So a “40 lb fixed barbell” means the entire unit weighs 40 lbs.
Great For: Quick changes, beginner circuits, and accessory work. Just grab and go.

EZ-Curl Bars and Triceps Bars

These are for isolation work and joint comfort.

EZ-Curl Bar: The wavy bar for bicep curls. Most weigh between 15 to 25 pounds. A common average is about 20 lbs.
Triceps Bar / Football Bar: The bar with parallel grips. These are heavier due to more metal, often ranging from 25 to 45 pounds.
Always Verify: Weights are rarely marked on the bar. Use a scale or check the gym’s equipment list.

How to Find the Weight of an Unmarked Bar

Don’t guess. Here’s a simple step-by-step method to be sure.

Look for any engraved numbers or labels on the bar end.
Check your gym’s website or equipment manual; they often list specs.
Weigh yourself on a digital bathroom scale, then weigh yourself holding the bar. Subtract the first number from the second.
If no scale is available, compare it to a bar of known weight. Does it feel similar to a fixed 45 lb bar? Heavier? Lighter?

Choosing the Right Bar for Your Goals

Your training focus should guide your bar selection. Picking the right tool makes your workouts safer and more effective.

General Strength Training (Powerlifting): A stiff power bar or basic Olympic bar is perfect.
Olympic Weightlifting: You need a true men’s or women’s Olympic bar with good whip and spin.
Home Gym on a Budget: A decent men’s Olympic bar (45 lbs) is the most versatile single purchase.
Beginner or Rehabilitation: Fixed-weight bars or lighter women’s/Olympic bars offer manageable progression.
Bodybuilding & Accessory Work: EZ-curl bars, triceps bars, and fixed bars are excellent additions.

Common Mistakes and Safety Tips

Avoid these pitfalls to train smart and stay injury-free.

Assuming All Bars Are 45 lbs: This is the number one error. It leads to over or under-loading.
Mixing Plate Types: Never force a plate onto a bar it doesn’t fit. It’s a major safety hazard.
Ignoring Bar Condition: Check for cracks, severe rust, or bent sleeves before use. A damaged bar can fail.
Forgetting the Bar in Your Total: Always, always add the bar’s weight to the plates for your working total.

FAQ: Your Barbell Weight Questions Answered

Is a barbell always 45 pounds?

No, it is not. While a men’s Olympic bar is typically 45 lbs, many other types like women’s bars, EZ-curl bars, and fixed-weight bars are lighter or sometimes heavier.

How much does a curl bar weigh?

An EZ-curl bar usually weighs between 15 and 25 pounds. It’s best to weigh yours specifically, as there’s no industry standard.

Do you count the bar weight?

Yes, absolutely. The bar is part of the total weight you are lifting. Your recorded lift should always include the bar’s mass plus all the plates on it.

How heavy is an empty Olympic barbell?

An empty men’s Olympic barbell weighs 20kg (44.1 lbs). An empty women’s Olympic barbell weighs 15kg (33.1 lbs).

Can a barbell weight be wrong?

Yes, especially with low-quality or old bars. They can be a few pounds off due to manufacturing tolerances or wear. When in doubt, use a scale.

What if my gym’s bar feels lighter than 45?

It might be a women’s bar (33 lbs), a technique bar (often 35 lbs), or a lighter fixed bar. Don’t rely on feel; ask a staff member or measure it yourself for accurate tracking.

Understanding barbell weights is a fundamental part of strength training. It removes guesswork and ensures your progress is real and measurable. Start by identifying the bars in your gym, know there weight, and log your lifts accurately. This simple habit will make you a more informed and effective lifter, helping you reach your goals faster and with greater confidence. Next time you approach the rack, you’ll know exactly what you’re picking up.