Barbell plate calculator — which plates to load per side

How to calculate which plates to load

Subtract the bar weight from your target, then divide by two: per-side weight = (target − bar) ÷ 2. For 185 lb on a 45 lb bar that's (185 − 45) ÷ 2 = 70 lb per side — one 45 and one 25 on each side. For 225 lb it's 90 lb per side: two 45s, the classic "two plates".

What this tool does

The reverse calculator turns any target weight into the exact plates to load on each side, always using the fewest plates possible from the plates you actually own. If a weight can't be hit exactly with your inventory, it shows the nearest loadable weights above and below. The builder tab works the other way — tap plates onto the bar and watch the total. Save loadouts you use every day ("Bench 185") and reload them in one tap. Works in pounds or kilograms with any bar weight, free, no account needed — optional Google sign-in syncs your plates and loadouts across devices.

Built by Akuhl Consulting — practical software, systems, and automation. Want a custom tool like this? Get in touch.