How Much Does Gym Barbell Weigh? Your Guide To Weights

How much does a gym barbell weigh? It’s not just one number! The weight of a gym barbell changes based on its type. A common men’s Olympic bar weighs 20 kilograms (kg) or 45 pounds (lbs). A women’s Olympic bar is lighter, at 15 kg (35 lbs). Standard bars, often found in home gyms or for lighter workouts, can weigh much less, sometimes around 5 kg (10 lbs) or more. Knowing the weight helps you lift safely and track your progress.

How Much Does Gym Barbell Weigh
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Why Barbell Weight Matters

Knowing the weight of the empty bar is super important. Why? Because the bar’s weight is part of your total lift. If you think a bar weighs 20 kg but it only weighs 10 kg, you’re lifting less than you think. This messes up tracking your strength gains. It also helps you choose the right bar for different exercises and skill levels.

The Big Two: Standard vs. Olympic

Gyms usually have two main kinds of barbells: standard and Olympic. They look alike, but they are different in key ways.

Examining Standard Barbell Weights

Standard barbells are older and less common in serious gyms today.

Size: They usually have thinner ends where you put weights. The hole in standard weight plates is typically about 1 inch (25-27 mm) wide.
Weight: The standard barbell weight varies a lot. There is no set rule. They can be as light as 5 kg (about 10 lbs) or up to 15 kg (about 33 lbs). Some might be fixed to weights, like pre-weighted barbells (straight bars or EZ curl bars) that weigh 10 kg, 20 kg, etc., including the bar itself.
Use: Often used for lighter weights, specific machines, or sometimes in home gyms because standard plates can be cheaper. They usually don’t have sleeves that spin. This is bad for some lifts.

Grasping Olympic Barbell Weights

Olympic barbells are the gold standard in most gyms and for competitive lifting.

Size: They have thicker ends (called sleeves) that are about 2 inches (50 mm) wide. Olympic weight plates have a bigger hole to fit these sleeves.
Weight: Olympic bars have more specific weights, set by international rules for sports like weightlifting and powerlifting.
- The most common empty barbell weight for men is 20 kg (45 lbs).
- For women, it’s 15 kg (35 lbs).
Features: Olympic bars have sleeves that spin. This lets the weights rotate as you lift. It helps protect your wrists and elbows during fast lifts like cleans and snatches. Good Olympic bars also have “whip.” This means the bar can bend a little under heavy weight and then spring back.

So, right away, you see a big difference in the most common weights between standard and Olympic bars.

Specific Olympic Bar Types and Their Weights

Not all Olympic bars are the same, even if they weigh the same. They are built differently for different kinds of lifting.

Deciphering Men’s Olympic Barbell Weight

This is the bar you’ll see most often in the main lifting areas of a gym.

Weight: The official men’s Olympic bar weight is 20 kg (45 lbs). This weight includes the bar itself, with no plates or collars.
Size: It is usually 2.2 meters (about 7.2 feet) long. The main part of the bar you grip is typically 28 mm thick. The sleeves are 50 mm thick.
Sports: This bar is used for both Olympic weightlifting (snatch, clean and jerk) and powerlifting (squat, bench press, deadlift), though the design might differ slightly between bars made for each sport.
Specs: International bodies like the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) set strict rules for these bars. This ensures bars are the same weight and size in competitions everywhere. The barbell weight in kg (20 kg) is the official standard in most sports, but 45 lbs is the close equivalent used widely, especially in countries using pounds. (Note: 20 kg is actually about 44.1 lbs, but they are often called “45 lb bars”).

Interpreting Women’s Olympic Barbell Weight

Women’s bars are made to be a bit easier to handle for people with smaller hands or shorter reach.

Weight: The official women’s Olympic bar weight is 15 kg (35 lbs).
Size: It is shorter than a men’s bar, usually 2.01 meters (about 6.6 feet) long. The grip part is thinner, usually 25 mm thick. The sleeves are still 50 mm thick to fit Olympic plates.
Sports: Used in women’s Olympic weightlifting and sometimes preferred by women in powerlifting training, though women in powerlifting competition use the same 20 kg bar as men.
Specs: The IWF also sets rules for the women’s bar, making sure the barbell weight in kg (15 kg) and dimensions are standard for competition. 35 lbs is the common name in countries using pounds. (15 kg is actually about 33.1 lbs, but called “35 lb bars”).

Fathoming Powerlifting Barbell Weight

Powerlifting bars are built for the squat, bench press, and deadlift.

Weight: A powerlifting bar weight is usually the same as a men’s Olympic bar: 20 kg (45 lbs).
Differences: How it’s made is different. Powerlifting bars are usually stiffer, with less “whip.” They often have more aggressive “knurling” (the criss-cross pattern for grip) that goes further along the bar. The grip area might be slightly thicker (e.g., 29 mm) compared to a 28 mm Olympic weightlifting bar.
Sports: The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) has its own standards. While the weight is the same as a men’s Olympic bar, the build quality, stiffness, and knurling patterns are specific to powerlifting needs. They need to handle very heavy static loads without bending too much.

Exploring Deadlift Barbell Weight

A specific bar designed just for the deadlift.

Weight: A deadlift bar weight is usually 20 kg (45 lbs), same as a men’s Olympic or powerlifting bar.
Differences: Deadlift bars are longer than regular bars (often 2.3 meters instead of 2.2 meters). The grip area is often thinner (e.g., 27 mm). This combination of length and thinner diameter means deadlift bars have much more whip than standard or powerlifting bars.
Why More Whip?: The extra flex means when you first start pulling, the weight plates stay on the floor for a moment while the bar bends. This lets you start pulling with a slightly higher hip position. As the bar straightens, the plates lift. This gives a small mechanical advantage, which can help lift heavier weights in competition.

Comprehending Specialty Bars (including EZ Curl)

Many other bars exist for specific exercises or needs. Their weights vary a lot.

EZ Curl Bar: An EZ curl bar weight is much lighter than a full-size Olympic bar. These bars have a wavy shape to make some exercises (like bicep curls and triceps extensions) easier on your wrists. Their weight can range from about 5 kg (10 lbs) to 15 kg (33 lbs). They are often standard size, but Olympic-sized EZ curl bars also exist. Always check the bar or ask staff to be sure.
Trap Bar (Hex Bar): A bar you stand inside, shaped like a hexagon. Good for deadlifts and shrugs. Weights vary, often from 20 kg (45 lbs) to 30 kg (65 lbs).
Safety Squat Bar (SSB): Has pads that rest on your shoulders and handles that come forward. Good for people with shoulder mobility issues or to change the squat focus. Weights vary, often from 20 kg (45 lbs) to 35 kg (75 lbs).
Swiss Bar (Multi-grip Bar): A bar with parallel handles. Good for bench press, rows, or hammer curls if regular grip hurts. Weights vary, often 15 kg (35 lbs) to 30 kg (65 lbs).

For specialty bars, always look for the weight marked on the bar or check your gym’s equipment list. The empty barbell weight is different for each type.

Simple Gym Bar Weight Table

Here is a quick guide to common gym barbell weights. This is the gym bar weight chart you can use as a general rule. Remember that actual weights can vary slightly.

Barbell Type	Approximate Weight (kg)	Approximate Weight (lbs)	Notes
Olympic Bars
Men’s Olympic Bar	20 kg	45 lbs	Standard for lifting sports
Women’s Olympic Bar	15 kg	35 lbs	Shorter, thinner grip, for lifting sports
Powerlifting Bar	20 kg	45 lbs	Stiffer, maybe thicker/more aggressive grip
Deadlift Bar	20 kg	45 lbs	Longer, thinner, more whip
Standard Bars
Standard Bar	5-15 kg	10-33 lbs	Varies widely, thinner sleeves
Specialty Bars			Weights vary most here
EZ Curl Bar	5-15 kg	10-33 lbs	Wavy shape, good for arms
Trap Bar (Hex Bar)	20-30 kg	45-65 lbs	Stand inside, good for deadlifts, shrugs
Safety Squat Bar (SSB)	20-35 kg	45-75 lbs	Has pads and front handles for squatting
Swiss Bar (Multi-grip)	15-30 kg	35-65 lbs	Parallel handles for different grips

This chart covers the most common bars you will find. It is a good starting point for knowing the empty barbell weight for each type.

Why Weights Might Vary

Even with set standards, the real weight of a bar can be slightly different.

Manufacturing: Bars are made in factories. There’s always a small bit of difference allowed. This is called tolerance. A bar might be 19.8 kg or 20.2 kg instead of exactly 20 kg. For competition, bars must meet very strict tolerance rules.
Material: The type of steel affects density and weight.
Coating: The finish on the bar (like chrome, zinc, cerakote) adds a tiny bit of weight.
Age and Wear: Very old or damaged bars might lose tiny bits of material over time, but this usually won’t change the weight in a big way.
Calibration: High-quality competition bars are carefully checked and weighed to make sure they are as close to the official weight as possible. Gym bars might not have this level of checking.

For most gym-goers, these small differences don’t matter much. But for competitive lifters, using a certified bar with precise barbell weight in kg is important.

How to Check Barbell Weight

How can you know the weight of the bar you are using?

Look for Labels: Many modern Olympic bars have the weight marked on the end cap or sleeve. It might say “20 KG” or “45 LB”.
Check the Gym: Ask the gym staff. They should know the weights of their equipment.
Look it Up: If it’s a specific brand or type of bar (like an Eleiko, Rogue, or Texas Power Bar), you can often look up its specs online using the name or model number.
Weigh It (If Possible): In some gyms, you might have access to a scale big enough for a barbell. This is the most accurate way but not always practical.
Compare: If your gym has multiple bars of the same type, they should weigh the same. Lift a few to see if they feel consistent.

Do not assume a bar is a certain weight just by looking at it, especially with standard or specialty bars. An empty barbell weight should be confirmed if you are unsure.

The Importance of Accuracy

Knowing the exact empty barbell weight is more important than you might think.

Tracking Progress: To know if you are getting stronger, you need to know the total weight lifted. That’s the bar weight plus the weight plates plus the collars. If you don’t know the bar weight, you can’t track accurately.
Safety: Using the right bar for the exercise is key. A light standard bar isn’t built for heavy deadlifts. Knowing its type helps you use it safely within its limits.
Competition Prep: If you train for powerlifting or weightlifting, practicing with bars that match competition standards (20 kg for men, 15 kg for women, specific types for powerlifting/deadlifting) is very important. This includes the correct barbell weight in kg or lbs.
Confidence: Knowing the weight for sure builds confidence. You know exactly what you are lifting.

Beyond the Bar: Plates and Collars

Remember, the bar is just one part of the total weight you lift. You also add weight plates and collars.

Weight Plates: These come in various sizes (2.5 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, etc., or 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 25 lbs, 35 lbs, 45 lbs, etc.). They are added to the sleeves of the bar. Their weights should be marked clearly. Just like bars, plates can have small weight variations, but quality plates are calibrated to be very close to their marked weight.
Collars: These clips or clamps hold the weight plates on the sleeves so they don’t slide off. Olympic collars usually weigh between 0.5 kg (about 1 lb) and 2.5 kg (about 5 lbs) per pair. Standard collars are usually lighter. Don’t forget to add the weight of the collars to your total lift, especially when lifting heavy or in competition where collar weight counts.

Total Weight = Barbell Weight + (Weight of all Plates) + (Weight of all Collars)

For example, if you lift a men’s Olympic bar weight (20 kg) with two 20 kg plates and standard 2.5 kg collars (a pair weighs 2.5 kg), your total weight is 20 + (20+20) + 2.5 = 62.5 kg.

Choosing the Right Bar

Picking the right bar matters for your workout.

For Beginners: Start with lighter bars or even the bar alone. A women’s 15 kg bar or a lighter standard bar or EZ curl bar is a good starting point for learning moves like squats, bench press, or overhead press before moving to the 20 kg bar. An empty barbell weight is often enough resistance when you are new.
For Learning Technique: Use the empty barbell weight to practice your form perfectly before adding weight. This is true for Olympic lifts, powerlifts, or basic exercises.
For Olympic Weightlifting: Use a bar with good sleeve spin and whip (like an IWF-certified bar). Men use 20 kg, women use 15 kg.
For Powerlifting: Use a stiff bar with aggressive knurling. Powerlifting bar weight is 20 kg.
For Deadlifts: A deadlift bar can help with heavier pulls due to its whip, but a standard 20 kg Olympic or powerlifting bar works fine too, especially when starting. The deadlift bar weight is usually 20 kg.
For Arm Work: An EZ curl bar weight is great for biceps and triceps exercises, as the shape is easier on wrists.
For Specific Needs: Specialty bars like trap bars or safety squat bars are useful if you have injuries, mobility issues, or want to target muscles differently. Find out the empty barbell weight of these bars in your gym.

Always choose a bar that feels right for the exercise and your body, keeping its weight and design in mind.

Maintaining Your Barbells

Taking care of gym equipment helps it last longer and keeps the weights accurate.

Clean Off Chalk: Chalk helps grip but can dry out the bar’s finish and collect in the knurling. Brush or wipe it off after use.
Put Bars Away: Don’t leave bars loaded or on the floor. Return them to racks to prevent bending or damage.
Keep Sleeves Clean: Clean the sleeves where plates slide on. This helps them spin smoothly.
Report Damage: If a bar looks bent, cracked, or damaged, tell the gym staff right away. A damaged bar might not be safe or weigh correctly.

Good care means the empty barbell weight you rely on stays true, and the bar performs as it should.

Common Questions About Barbell Weights

Here are quick answers to other things people often ask about bar weights.

Is an empty bar always 45 lbs?

No, an empty bar is not always 45 lbs. A men’s Olympic bar is commonly 45 lbs (20 kg). A women’s Olympic bar is 35 lbs (15 kg). Standard bars and specialty bars like EZ curl bars weigh much less, from 5 kg (10 lbs) up to 35 kg (75 lbs) or more depending on the type. The standard barbell weight varies greatly.

What does “empty barbell weight” mean?

Empty barbell weight means the weight of the bar itself. This is the weight before you add any weight plates or collars. It is the base weight you start with for any lift.

Do all gyms have the same bars?

No, not all gyms have the same bars. Gyms choose different brands and types based on cost, quality, and the kind of training they focus on. A serious powerlifting gym will have high-quality powerlifting bar weight bars and deadlift bars. A general fitness gym might have more standard bars, lighter Olympic bars, and a few specialty bars. The quality and accuracy of the empty barbell weight can also vary.

Why is the weight different in kg and lbs?

Kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs) are different ways to measure weight. Kilograms are used in the metric system, which is standard in most of the world and in official sports like the Olympics. Pounds are used in the imperial system, mainly in the United States. The weights are measured using one system (like kg) and then converted. The conversions are not always round numbers (20 kg is about 44.1 lbs, 15 kg is about 33.1 lbs), so they are often rounded to the nearest common plate size (45 lbs, 35 lbs). You need to know which system your gym uses for plates and bars. The barbell weight in kg is often the true standard in international rules.

Is a bent bar safe to use?

No, you should not use a bent bar. A bent bar does not weigh correctly, puts uneven stress on the weight plates, and can be dangerous. Tell gym staff if you see a bent bar.

In Simple Terms: Summing Up Barbell Weights

Knowing how much a gym barbell weighs is key to your lifting journey. It is not a single number. The weight depends on the bar’s type and size. Men’s Olympic bars are usually 20 kg (45 lbs). Women’s Olympic bars are usually 15 kg (35 lbs). Standard bars, EZ curl bars, and other specialty bars weigh less or more depending on their design. Always check the bar’s marking or ask if you are unsure. Count the bar’s weight, the plates, and the collars for your total lift. This helps you track progress safely and correctly.