Plate Calculator
Find the plates to load on each side.
How It Works
Loading a barbell to a specific target weight requires math that is easy to get wrong under fatigue. This calculator takes your target weight, bar weight, and available plate inventory, then tells you exactly which plates to put on each side.
The calculator searches combinations of the matching plate pairs you enter. It selects an exact load when possible, using the fewest plates, or the heaviest achievable load below the target.
If the target cannot be hit with the plate pairs you have entered, the calculator shows the closest achievable weight and warns you so you do not unknowingly lift the wrong load.
Worked Example
Input Target 225 lb, 45 lb bar, 45/25/10/5/2.5 lb plates available.
Result Per side: two 45 lb plates. Total: 45 lb bar + 4 x 45 lb = 225 lb. Exact match.