Formula
Half of the weight above the bar is loaded on each side, using 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 kg plates:
Per side = (target − bar) / 2
The page takes as many of the largest fitting plate as it can, then moves down the list. A remainder means these plates cannot make the target exactly.
Assumptions
- The same plates go on both sides.
- Collars are not given a weight.
- Only the listed plate sizes are available.
Worked example
A 100 kg target on a 20 kg bar is 1 × 25 kg, 1 × 15 kg on each side.
Input definitions
- Target load
- The total you want on the bar, including the bar.
- Bar
- The bar's own weight, often 20 kg.
Limitations
This does not judge whether the load is appropriate. It only counts plates.
Questions
Why a 15 kg plate instead of a 10 and a 5?
The page uses the largest plate that still fits, so 15 kg is chosen before 10 kg.
What if the target is not a plate multiple?
The result names the leftover kilograms per side.