How Much Does The Bar Weight At The Gym: Standard & Types

When you pick up a bar at the gym, how much does it weigh? The weight of an empty bar is the start of your lift. It is important to know this starting weight barbell. The weight changes based on the type of bar. A standard gym bar weight is often 20 kg. But many other bars have different weights.

How Much Does The Bar Weight At The Gym
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Grasping Bar Weights

Knowing the weight of the bar is the first step in lifting weights. You add weight plates to the bar. But the bar itself has weight. You need to count the bar’s weight too. This gives you your total lift weight. If the bar weighs 20 kg and you put 10 kg on each side, your total lift is 20 + 10 + 10 = 40 kg.

Gym bars are different. They look different and weigh different amounts. Some are long and straight. Some have bends. Some are short. We will look at the main types you see in gyms. We will see how much they usually weigh.

The Main Gym Bar: The Barbell

The barbell is the most common bar. It is long and straight. You add round weight plates to the ends. There are different kinds of barbells.

Standard Barbell Weight

What is a standard barbell weight? It can mean a few things. In many gyms, the most common long, straight bar is called a standard barbell. Sometimes, this means a bar used for general lifting. These bars can vary a lot in weight. They might be found with home gym equipment. Or in older gyms. Their weight is not always the same. They often take weight plates with a 1-inch hole.

These bars can weigh anywhere from 15 pounds (about 7 kg) to 25 pounds (about 11 kg). Some might even be lighter or heavier. There is no strict rule for the weight of these “standard” bars. You often need to check the bar itself. Or check with the gym staff. The standard barbell weight term is sometimes used loosely.

Olympic Bar Weight

This is a very specific type of barbell. It is used in the sport of Olympic weightlifting. It is also used in powerlifting and many other gym exercises. The Olympic bar weight follows strict rules. These rules come from sports groups like the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) and IPF (International Powerlifting Federation).

Olympic bars are built strong. They need to hold a lot of weight. They have rotating sleeves at the ends. These sleeves spin. This lets the weight plates spin as you lift. It helps reduce force on your wrists and elbows. This is important for fast lifts like the snatch and clean and jerk.

Men’s Olympic Bar Weight

The men’s Olympic bar is the most well-known Olympic bar. It is a long, straight bar. Its weight is set by rules.

Length: 2.2 meters (about 7.2 feet)
Weight: 20 kilograms (about 44.1 pounds)
Shaft diameter (the middle part you grip): 28 millimeters (about 1.1 inches)
Sleeve diameter (the ends where plates go): 50 millimeters (about 2 inches)

So, the standard men’s Olympic bar weight is 20 kg. This is the weight of empty bar you lift before adding any plates. This 20 kg bar is often considered the standard gym bar weight in many modern gyms focused on serious lifting.

Women’s Olympic Bar Weight

There is also a women’s Olympic bar. It is slightly different from the men’s bar. These differences help women lifters.

Length: 2.01 meters (about 6.6 feet)
Weight: 15 kilograms (about 33.1 pounds)
Shaft diameter: 25 millimeters (about 0.98 inches)
Sleeve diameter: 50 millimeters (about 2 inches)

The women’s Olympic bar weight is 15 kg. It is shorter and lighter. The part you grip is also thinner. This can feel better for smaller hands. This bar is also used in Olympic weightlifting contests for women. It is also used for general training by women and sometimes men who want a lighter starting weight.

So, for Olympic bars, the Olympic bar weight is either 20 kg for men’s or 15 kg for women’s. This tells you the starting weight barbell in many gyms.

Powerlifting Bars

Powerlifting has its own type of bar. It looks like an Olympic bar. But it has some small differences. Powerlifting has three main lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. These lifts are slower than Olympic lifts. So the bar does not need to spin as much. Powerlifting bars are often stiffer. They bend less under heavy weight.

Length: Usually 2.2 meters (about 7.2 feet)
Weight: 20 kilograms (about 44.1 pounds)
Shaft diameter: Can be thicker, like 29 millimeters (about 1.14 inches). This makes it stiffer.
Markings: Different marks on the bar to help with grip width.

The powerlifting bar weight is also typically 20 kg. Just like the men’s Olympic bar weight. But its stiffness and markings are different. This standard barbell weight for powerlifting is specific.

Other Straight Barbells

Gyms might have other straight barbells that are not strictly Olympic or powerlifting bars. They look similar. They might be used for general strength training. Their weight can vary. Some might be 20 kg. Some might be 18 kg or 25 kg.

You need to check these bars carefully. Sometimes the weight is marked on the end cap. Or you might need to weigh it. These are also standard gym bar weight options depending on the gym. The starting weight barbell here could be different from 20 kg.

Other Types of Gym Bars

Gyms have more bars than just straight barbells. These bars are for different exercises. They have different shapes and weights.

EZ Curl Bar Weight

The EZ curl bar is easy to spot. It is not straight. It has waves or bends in the middle. This shape helps you hold the bar with your palms facing partly up or down. This grip is often used for exercises like bicep curls and triceps extensions. The bends can feel more comfortable for some people. They can put less stress on your wrists.

What is the EZ curl bar weight? These bars are shorter and lighter than barbells. Their weight can vary.

Common weight: 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds)
Other weights: Some can be 15 pounds (about 7 kg) or 20 pounds (about 9 kg).

So, the EZ curl bar weight is usually around 10 kg. It is important to know this weight of empty bar when doing exercises with it. The starting weight barbell is much lower with this bar type.

Trap Bar Weight (or Hex Bar)

The trap bar is also called a hex bar. It is shaped like a hexagon (a six-sided shape) that you stand inside. It has handles on the sides. You load weights onto sleeves on the front and back. This bar is mainly used for deadlifts and shrugs.

Using a trap bar for deadlifts puts the weight more in line with your body. This can sometimes feel easier on your lower back. The handles are usually higher than a straight bar on the floor. This means you do not have to bend down as far.

What is the trap bar weight? These bars are heavier than EZ curl bars. They are often about the same weight as a men’s Olympic bar.

Common weight: 20 kilograms (about 44.1 pounds)
Other weights: Some might be heavier, like 25 kg (about 55 pounds) or even 30 kg (about 66 pounds). Some lighter ones exist too.

The trap bar weight is often 20 kg, but check the bar. It feels different to lift than a straight bar. But the weight of empty bar can be similar to a standard barbell.

Fixed Weight Bar Weight

You often see a rack of short bars with weights already on them. These are called fixed weight bars. The weight is built into the bar. You cannot add or remove weight plates. They usually have rubber or plastic coatings. They are often used for exercises like curls, presses, and rows.

What is the fixed weight bar weight? These bars come in a range of weights. They usually go up in small steps.

Common weights: Start at 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg) or 20 pounds (about 9 kg).
Steps: Go up by 5 pounds (about 2.3 kg) or 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg) at a time.
Range: Go up to 100 pounds (about 45 kg) or even more in some gyms.

The fixed weight bar weight is usually marked clearly on the end of the bar. It is easy to know the starting weight barbell with these. You just pick the bar with the weight you want.

Triceps Bar

A triceps bar is a short bar. It has a shape like a rectangle or square with handles inside. You hold it with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). It is used for exercises like triceps extensions and hammer curls.

Common weight: Varies, but often lighter, maybe 10-15 pounds (about 4.5-7 kg).

Safety Squat Bar

This is a special bar used for squats. It has padded sections that rest on your shoulders and upper back. It also has handles that go forward. This design can be more comfortable for some people. It can also change how the weight feels during the squat.

Common weight: Often heavier than a standard bar, maybe 30 kg (about 66 pounds). This is because of the extra structure and padding.

Cambered Bar

A cambered bar has a dip in the middle. The part where you put weights hangs lower than the bar resting on your back. This changes the center of gravity. It can make squats harder or different.

Common weight: Varies, often similar to a standard barbell or slightly heavier due to the shape, maybe 20-30 kg.

Farmers Walk Handles

These are not really a “bar” you load plates onto the ends like a barbell. They are thick handles with a post for plates. You hold one in each hand and walk. They are used for “farmer’s walk” exercises.

Common weight: The handles themselves might weigh 10-20 pounds each (about 4.5-9 kg each).

Table of Common Bar Weights

Here is a table showing the usual weights for different gym bars. Remember, these can sometimes vary slightly depending on the maker or the specific gym.

Bar Type	Common Weight (kg)	Common Weight (lbs)	Notes
Men’s Olympic Bar	20	44.1	Standard for many gyms and sports
Women’s Olympic Bar	15	33.1	Shorter, thinner grip
Powerlifting Bar	20	44.1	Stiffer, thicker grip (often 29mm)
General Straight Barbell	Varies	Varies	Can range from 7 kg to 25 kg or more
EZ Curl Bar	10	22	Has bends, for curls/triceps
Trap Bar (Hex Bar)	20	44.1	Hexagon shape, for deadlifts/shrugs
Fixed Weight Bar	Varies	Varies	Weight built-in, range from 4.5 kg up
Triceps Bar	Varies	Varies	Rectangle shape, neutral grip, lighter
Safety Squat Bar	30	66	Padded, handles forward, for squats
Cambered Bar	Varies	Varies	Dip in the middle, for squats
Farmers Walk Handles	Varies	Varies	Each handle has weight, for carries

Knowing this helps you figure out the weight of empty bar for your exercise.

Finding the Bar’s Weight

How do you know exactly how much a bar weighs in your gym?

Check the ends: Many modern bars, especially Olympic style bars, have the weight marked on the end cap. Look for “20KG” or “15KG”. Fixed weight bars always have the weight marked.
Ask gym staff: The people working at the gym should know the weights of their equipment. Do not be afraid to ask.
Look for labels: Sometimes bars or racks have labels with the weight.
Compare: If there are multiple identical bars, they likely weigh the same.
Weigh it (if possible): In some special cases, you might be able to use a scale. But this is not practical in most gyms.

Do not just guess the weight of empty bar. It is part of your total lift. Guessing wrong means you do not know how much you are truly lifting.

Why Knowing the Starting Weight Barbell Matters

Knowing the weight of the empty bar is very important for several reasons.

Tracking Progress: When you lift, you want to get stronger over time. You add weight to the bar. To know how much total weight you lifted, you must add the bar’s weight to the plates’ weight. If you do not count the bar, your records are wrong. This makes it hard to see if you are getting stronger. The starting weight barbell is your base.
Safety: Lifting too much weight can cause injuries. Knowing the exact weight helps you plan your workout safely. You can choose a weight that is right for you. You start with the bar’s weight. Then you add plates bit by bit.
Planning Your Workout: Workout plans often tell you to lift a certain percentage of your max lift. Your max lift includes the bar weight. If your max squat is 100 kg, that includes the bar. To lift 80% of your max, you need to lift 80 kg total. If you use a 20 kg bar, you add 60 kg in plates (30 kg on each side). If you mistakenly think the bar is 10 kg, you would only add 70 kg total, and your lift would be less than planned.
Consistency: Using a standard gym bar weight like the 20 kg Olympic bar helps you compare your strength over time and even in different gyms. If you always use a 20 kg bar for bench press, you know your progress is real, not just because you used a lighter bar one day.
Understanding Equipment: It is good to know the tools you are using. Recognizing different bars and their weights helps you choose the right bar for the exercise. An EZ curl bar is good for curls. A straight bar is better for squats and deadlifts.

The weight of empty bar is never zero. Always count it. The starting weight barbell is your foundation.

Different Bars for Different Exercises

Why are there so many types of bars? Each bar is often designed for certain movements or to make an exercise feel different.

Straight Barbell: Best for compound lifts like squats, bench press, deadlifts, overhead press. It lets you load a lot of weight. The grip is standard.
EZ Curl Bar: Made for exercises like bicep curls and triceps extensions. The shape changes your wrist angle. Some people find this more comfortable. It focuses the work on the muscles.
Trap Bar: Great for deadlifts, especially if you have back problems or want to learn the deadlift movement. It is also good for shrugs and carries. The weight is centered differently.
Fixed Weight Bar: Good for exercises where you use lighter weights. Like curls, triceps pushdowns, lunges, or warm-up sets. They are quick to grab off the rack. You do not need to load plates.
Specialty Bars (Safety Squat, Cambered, etc.): These are for specific needs. A safety squat bar helps people with shoulder problems. A cambered bar changes the lift challenge.

Choosing the right bar, and knowing its weight, is part of smart training. The standard barbell weight is a good starting point, but other bars are useful too.

Variations and Non-Standard Bars

While there are common weights, you might find bars that are different.

Older Gyms: Bars in older gyms might not be exact Olympic standard. A bar that looks like a 20 kg bar might weigh 18 kg or 22 kg.
Home Gym Equipment: Bars for home use can vary a lot in quality and weight. A “standard” bar for 1-inch plates is rarely exactly 20 kg.
Junior Bars: Some gyms might have shorter, lighter straight bars for kids or beginners. These could weigh 5 kg or 10 kg.
Technique Bars: Very light bars, maybe aluminum or plastic, weighing 2.5 kg or 5 kg. These are used mostly to learn the movement pattern of lifts before adding real weight. The starting weight barbell for learning is very low.
Fat Bars: Bars with a much thicker grip (maybe 2 inches or more). These challenge your grip strength. Their weight is often similar to a standard barbell (20 kg) but the feel is very different.

It is always best to check the bar’s weight if you can. Do not just assume it is 20 kg. The weight of empty bar is the truth.

The Bar Weight and Total Weight

Let us look at how the bar weight adds to your total lift.

Suppose you want to bench press 60 kg.
If you use a men’s Olympic bar (20 kg):
Total weight needed: 60 kg
Bar weight: 20 kg
Weight needed from plates: 60 kg – 20 kg = 40 kg
You need 40 kg total in plates. Since you put plates on both sides, you put 20 kg on each side.

If you use a women’s Olympic bar (15 kg):
Total weight needed: 60 kg
Bar weight: 15 kg
Weight needed from plates: 60 kg – 15 kg = 45 kg
You need 45 kg total in plates. You put 22.5 kg on each side. (Gyms might not have 2.5 kg plates, so you might use 20 kg on each side for 55 kg total, or 25 kg on each side for 65 kg total).

If you use a lighter bar, like a 10 kg EZ curl bar, the same total weight feels different because the bar weight is less. For a 60 kg lift:
Total weight needed: 60 kg
Bar weight: 10 kg
Weight needed from plates: 60 kg – 10 kg = 50 kg
You need 50 kg total in plates. You put 25 kg on each side.

See how the weight of empty bar changes how much plate weight you need? This is why knowing the starting weight barbell is key.

Safety Tips for Using Bars

Using gym bars safely is very important.

Know the Weight: Always check or ask the weight of empty bar before starting. Do not assume.
Use Collars: Always put collars on the ends of the bar outside the plates. Collars stop the plates from sliding off. If a plate falls off one side, the other side becomes much heavier. This can cause the bar to tip and cause serious injury. This is true for any standard barbell weight or other bar you add plates to.
Check the Bar: Look at the bar before you use it. Is it bent? Are the sleeves damaged? If a bar looks unsafe, do not use it. Tell the gym staff.
Warm Up: Always do a warm-up before lifting heavy weights. This gets your body ready.
Use Proper Form: Learn how to do the exercise right. Good form protects your body. It also helps you lift more weight safely over time.
Do Not Drop Bars (Unless Designed For It): Olympic weightlifting bars and plates are made to be dropped on special platforms. Powerlifting bars and regular gym bars are usually not. Dropping them can damage the bar, the floor, and make noise. Only drop bars if you are in a place and using equipment made for it (like in Olympic weightlifting areas).
Ask for Help: If you are not sure how to use a bar or do an exercise, ask a trainer or gym staff. It is better to ask than to get hurt.
Start Light: Begin with the starting weight barbell or a very light weight. Focus on your form. Add weight slowly as you get stronger. Do not try to lift too much too soon.

Being safe means respecting the equipment. It means knowing the olympic bar weight, the EZ curl bar weight, the trap bar weight, or whatever bar you choose. It means counting the weight of empty bar in your total.

Summarizing Bar Weights

Most often, when people talk about the standard barbell weight, they mean the 20 kg men’s Olympic bar. But gym have many bars.

Men’s Olympic: 20 kg
Women’s Olympic: 15 kg
EZ Curl: Around 10 kg
Trap Bar: Often 20 kg, but check
Fixed Weight Bars: Weight is marked, comes in steps (e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25 kg…)

The weight of empty bar is never zero. Always remember to add it to the weight plates. This gives your total lift weight. Knowing the starting weight barbell is the first step to tracking your progress and lifting safely. Do not forget about the bar’s weight!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a bar weigh at the gym?
The weight of a bar at the gym changes based on the type of bar. The most common long straight bar, the men’s Olympic bar, weighs 20 kg (about 44 pounds). A women’s Olympic bar weighs 15 kg (about 33 pounds). Other bars like EZ curl bars or trap bars weigh differently.

What is the standard barbell weight?
Often, the standard barbell weight people think of is the men’s Olympic bar, which is 20 kg. However, the term “standard barbell” can also mean bars that take 1-inch plates, and these can weigh differently, often 15-25 pounds (about 7-11 kg). In modern gyms focused on lifting, the 20 kg Olympic bar is usually the standard gym bar weight.

How much does an EZ curl bar weigh?
An EZ curl bar usually weighs around 10 kg (about 22 pounds). Some can weigh slightly more or less, like 15 or 20 pounds.

What is the weight of an empty bar?
The weight of an empty bar is the weight of the bar itself before you add any weight plates. This is the starting weight barbell. It is different for different types of bars, such as 20 kg for a men’s Olympic bar, 15 kg for a women’s Olympic bar, or 10 kg for an EZ curl bar.

Does the bar weight count towards the total weight lifted?
Yes, the bar weight always counts towards the total weight lifted. If the bar is 20 kg and you add 50 kg in plates, the total weight lifted is 70 kg (20 + 50). You must include the weight of empty bar to know your total lift.

Are all bars in the gym the same weight?
No, bars in the gym are not all the same weight. Different types of bars (straight barbells, EZ curl bars, trap bars, fixed weight bars) have different weights and uses. Even within the same type, like a standard straight barbell, the weight can sometimes vary if it is not an official Olympic bar.

How much does a men’s Olympic bar weigh?
A men’s Olympic bar weighs 20 kilograms (about 44.1 pounds). This is a widely used standard gym bar weight for many exercises.

How much does a women’s Olympic bar weigh?
A women’s Olympic bar weighs 15 kilograms (about 33.1 pounds). It is also shorter and has a thinner grip than a men’s Olympic bar.

What is a fixed weight bar weight?
Fixed weight bars are bars with the weight already attached. You cannot change the weight. Their weight is marked on the bar. They come in a range of weights, usually going up in small steps like 5 pounds or 10 pounds. The fixed weight bar weight is the number written on it.

What is the starting weight barbell?
The starting weight barbell is the weight of the bar you use before you add any weight plates. This is the weight of empty bar. For many people doing exercises with a long straight bar, the starting weight barbell is 20 kg (using a men’s Olympic bar) or 15 kg (using a women’s Olympic bar). For other bars like EZ curl bars, the starting weight is less.

Knowing the weight of the bar is a basic step in lifting. It helps you train smart, track your progress, and stay safe. Always count the bar’s weight!