How Much Does a Barbell Weigh?

I’ve been lifting for years, and I still see people confused about barbell weight. You’re probably here because you need to know exactly what that bar weighs. 

Good news: I’ll break it all down for you in plain terms.

How much does a barbell weigh? Most standard gym barbells weigh 45 pounds or 20 kilograms. But that’s not the whole story.

I’ll show you the weight of different barbell types, why it matters, and how to check what you’re lifting. I’ve tested dozens of bars, so I know what works. Let’s figure this out together.

How Much Does a Standard Barbell Weigh?

A standard barbell is what most people grab at the gym. Let me walk you through what to expect.

Most gym barbells weigh 45 pounds or 20 kilograms. This is the Olympic standard that became common worldwide. 

The 45-pound weight came from the metric system. 20 kilograms converts to 44.09 pounds, but manufacturers round to 45. The bar is 7 feet long and has a 28-29mm diameter grip section.

Not every gym bar is 45 pounds. You’re safe at a serious gym with Olympic equipment. The bar has rotating sleeves and center knurling. 

But budget gyms sometimes buy cheaper bars. Home gyms may have lighter starter bars. Women’s bars are lighter at 33 pounds. Specialty bars have different weights. I always check the end caps or weigh the bar when I’m at a new gym.

Men’s vs Women’s Barbells

Not all barbells are the same size. Gender-specific bars exist for good reasons.

Men’s Olympic Barbell Weight

A men’s Olympic barbell weighs 20 kilograms or 45 pounds. This is the standard for male competition lifters.

The thicker grip challenges your hands more. The extra length provides stability for heavy lifts. The center knurling helps the bar stick to your back during squats.

Women’s Olympic Barbell Weight

A woman’s Olympic barbell weighs 15 kilograms or 33 pounds. That’s 12 pounds lighter than the men’s bar.

There’s no center knurling because it can dig into the chest during cleans. The thinner grip fits smaller hands better.

I recommend women’s bars for anyone with smaller hands, not just women. The lighter weight helps beginners build proper form.

Different Types of Barbells and Their Weights

Bars come in many shapes and sizes. Each serves a purpose.

Olympic Barbell

Weight: 20 kg (45 lbs) for men, 15 kg (33 lbs) for women

Olympic bars have rotating sleeves that spin freely. This protects your wrists during cleans and snatches. 

The bar has more whip, meaning it bends slightly under heavy weight. You’ll use this for Olympic lifts and general training.

Powerlifting Barbell

Weight: 20 kg (45 lbs)

Powerlifting bars are stiffer than Olympic bars. They don’t bend as much under heavy weight. The knurling is more aggressive to help your grip. These bars are built for squat, bench press, and deadlift.

Deadlift Bar

Weight: 20 kg (45 lbs)

Deadlift bars are longer and thinner. They’re usually 7.5 to 8 feet long with a 27mm diameter. The extra length and flexibility create more whip. This whip helps you break the weight off the floor more easily.

Squat Bar

Weight: 25 kg (55 lbs)

Squat bars are heavier because they’re built to handle massive loads. The extra weight comes from a thicker shaft and more steel. These bars are extremely stiff. They won’t bend under 800+ pounds on your back.

Trap Bar / Hex Bar

Weight: 45-75 lbs (20-34 kg)

The trap bar is a hexagon or diamond shape that you stand inside. Standard versions weigh 45-60 pounds. 

Heavy-duty models can hit 75 pounds. The weight varies because of different frame sizes and handle heights.

EZ Curl Bar

Weight: 15-25 lbs (7-11 kg)

The EZ curl bar has a zigzag grip. Most weigh around 15-18 pounds for standard versions. Olympic-sized EZ bars run 20-25 pounds. 

I use these for bicep curls and tricep extensions because the angled grip feels better on my wrists.

Safety Squat Bar

Weight: 60-70 lbs (27-32 kg)

The safety squat bar has padding and handles that stick forward. The extra weight comes from the padding, handles, and cambered design. 

It shifts the load forward slightly, which changes how squats feel.

Specialty Bars (Swiss, Cambered, Buffalo)

These bars have different weights based on their design.

Swiss Bar: 35-45 lbs. Has multiple neutral grip positions.

Cambered Bar: 55-85 lbs. The arch in the middle adds weight and changes the lift mechanics.

Buffalo Bar: 45-55 lbs. Has a slight bend that’s easier on your shoulders during squats.

Each design adds or removes metal, which changes the final weight.

Why Barbell Weight Matters

You can’t ignore the bar weight. Here’s why it’s important.

You need to count the bar to track progress correctly. If you squat 135 pounds, that’s a 45-pound bar plus 90 pounds of plates. Forget the bar, and your numbers are wrong. Small gains matter.

Bar weight affects how a lift feels. A 33-pound women’s bar moves differently from a 55-pound squat bar. Lighter bars are easier to control. Heavier bars provide more stability under big loads.

Competitions use specific bar weights. Olympic weightlifting uses 20 kg men’s bars and 15 kg women’s bars. Powerlifting uses 20 kg bars for all lifts. Train with the right weight so competition lifts don’t feel strange.

How to Know the Weight of the Barbell You’re Using?

Don’t guess. Here’s how to find out for sure.

Check the end caps first. Most quality bars have the weight stamped or printed there. You’ll see “20KG” or “45LBS” marked clearly. 

Some bars have the manufacturer’s name and model. Look that up online to find the specs.

Use a scale to weigh it. Place a bathroom scale under one end of the bar. Note that weight. Move it to the other end. Add both numbers together. This method works for any bar, any time.

Ask gym staff directly. They should know their equipment. If they don’t know, that’s a red flag about the gym’s quality.

Choosing the Right Barbell for Your Training

The right bar makes training better. Here’s how to pick.

Based on Strength Level

Beginners: Start with a women’s bar (33 lbs) or a standard Olympic bar (45 lbs). The lighter weight lets you practice form without getting crushed.

Intermediate lifters: Stick with standard Olympic bars for most work. Add specialty bars as needed.

Advanced lifters: Use powerlifting bars for heavy work. Use Olympic bars for dynamic lifts. Add specialty bars to address weaknesses.

I spent my first year on a standard bar. That was smart.

Based on Exercise Selection

Match the bar to what you’re doing.

Squats: Olympic bar or squat bar

Bench press: Powerlifting bar or Olympic bar

Deadlifts: Deadlift bar or stiff bar

Olympic lifts: Olympic bar only

Curls and extensions: EZ curl bar

Trap bar deadlifts: Trap bar

Don’t deadlift with a squat bar. Don’t squat heavy with a deadlift bar. Use the right tool.

Conclusion

I remember loading up a bar for the first time and forgetting to count it. My numbers were off for weeks. Don’t make that mistake.

Now you know exactly how much your barbell weighs. You know the difference between men’s and women’s bars. You understand why specialty bars exist.

Start tracking your lifts correctly today. Check your gym’s bars this week. Count every pound. Your progress depends on accurate numbers.

Got questions about your specific bar? Drop a comment below. I’ll help you figure it out. And if this helped you, share it with someone who’s confused about bar weight, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a barbell weigh without plates?

A standard Olympic barbell weighs 45 pounds (20 kg) without any plates. Women’s Olympic bars weigh 33 pounds (15 kg). Always count the bar weight in your total lift.

Do I count the barbell weight when calculating my lift?

Yes, always count the bar. If you bench press with a 45-pound bar and two 25-pound plates, your total lift is 95 pounds. The bar is part of the weight you’re moving.

What is the difference between a 15 kg and a 20 kg barbell?

A 15 kg barbell weighs 33 pounds and is typically a women’s Olympic bar. A 20 kg barbell weighs 45 pounds and is the men’s standard. The 15 kg bar is also shorter and has a thinner grip diameter.

Can beginners use a 45-pound barbell?

Yes, most beginners can use a 45-pound barbell safely. Start with just the bar to learn proper form. If 45 pounds feels too heavy, use a women’s bar (33 lbs) or practice with dumbbells first.

Why are some barbells heavier than others?

Different bars serve different purposes. Squat bars are heavier (55 lbs) because they’re thicker and stiffer. Specialty bars like safety squat bars have extra padding and handles that add weight. The design dictates the final weight.