Knowing the weight of a barbell can be difficult to find out at times. Dozens of different varieties and manufacturers can add to the confusion. In this guide, we take a detailed look at how much does a barbell weigh so that you can have clarity when making a decision.
How Much Does A Barbell Weigh? (Different Types Compared)
Do all barbells weigh the same? Not quite. One of the most confusing parts about barbell weight is that there are several different varieties depending on the sport they’re used in and the exercise they’re used for. However, knowing how much does a standard barbell weigh is essential for your safety and when you’re performing your lifts.
Before diving into barbell weight, check out our guide on all the different types of barbells here.
1. Universal Standard Barbell
How much does a regular barbell weigh? The universal standard barbell is the most common barbell on the squat rack in most gyms. They’re generally the most prominent and longest barbells in the gym.
They weigh 20 kilograms or 44 pounds and are 1-inch in thickness. Universal standard barbells are commonly used for compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, and shoulder presses. They’re also popular because you can easily adjust the weight by adding or removing plates on the bar.
2. Men’s Olympic Barbell
How much does an Olympic barbell weigh? It’s generally 2 inches thick and weighs 20kg or 44lbs. However, the main difference is that they are built for performance and need to be of higher quality. This is because Olympic athletes use them.
These bars need to be strong and flexible because they are used in complicated lifts that require strength and speed during competitions at the highest level. If you’re looking for a men’s Olympic barbell, you can expect to pay a higher price for a higher quality bar.
Related Article - Olympic Vs Standard Barbell
3. Women’s Olympic Barbell
How much does a women’s barbell weigh? The Women’s Olympic barbell weighs 15kg, which is approximately 33lbs. The main reason is that female athletes are generally much lighter than male athletes.
Female athletes can often weigh less than half of their male counterparts. Having a lighter bar also allows women to add weights easier because it is designed to reduce the emphasis on the grip that the male lifters need.
4. EZ Curl Barbell
EZ curl barbells can come in various weights and sizes. EZ curl barbells aren’t used in competitions, and they don’t need to meet specific standards like an Olympic barbell. EZ curl barbells weigh 5 to 15kg or 11 to 33lbs.
Some of them are bigger to accommodate weight cuffs on either side. The weight of the EZ curl bar doesn’t matter as plates can be easily added and removed to increase or decrease overall weight.
Read Also - How Much Does A Curl Bar Weigh?
5. Triceps Barbell
The triceps barbell is used to isolate the tricep muscles. It is the opposite of the EZ barbell, which targets the biceps. They come in various sizes because they have no set standard, and they have a lot of different manufacturers.
They’re a lot shorter than other barbells and weigh approximately 9 to 18kg or 20 to 40lbs. The tricep barbell is usually quite common in most gyms and is an excellent barbell to exercise your arms.
6. Trap/Hex Barbell
Trap or hex barbells come in different shapes and sizes. The trap or hex barbell is designed in the form of a diamond which allows the athlete lifting it to stand in the middle of it.
This results in the athlete lifting the weight from a more centered position. This reduces stress on the shoulders and back. Trap or hex bars can vary significantly in weight depending on the manufacturer. They usually are anywhere from 13 to 31kg or 25 to 70lbs.
Read Also - Trap Bar Vs Barbell Deadlift
7. Powerlifting Barbells
Powerlifting barbells are approximately 44lbs or 20kg, making them similar in size to Olympic barbells. However, they’re specifically for squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. The powerlifting barbells are primarily used during competitions and support heavier weights.
Grips are a little bit closer and less flexible than an Olympic barbell. Another critical difference between Olympic bars and powerlifting bars is the sleeves. Sleeves are necessary for Olympic bars, whereas powerlifting bars don’t require them.
8. Squat Barbells & Safety Squat Barbells
If you’re looking to get the best benefits of barbell exercises, then the squat barbell and safety squat barbell are great bars to start with. They are manufactured to ensure they can tolerate a high load. The squat barbell weighs the same as a standard barbell, 20kg or 44lbs.
Its reliability is well known, making it the preferred choice for powerlifters looking to train for their maximum lifts. Safety squat bars are one of the heaviest varieties of barbells. They usually weigh approximately 30kg or 70lbs.
9. Smith Machine Bar
A variety of manufacturers make Smith machines. They can vary in weight from roughly 6 to 11kg or 15 to 25lbs. Smith machines are sometimes designed to counterweight the barbell. The easiest way to test this is to lift the bar halfway and see if it remains in the same place. If it stays in place, you’re working out with a Smith machine that counterweights the barbell.
If you want to know more, read through our complete guide on smith machine bar weight.
10. Kids/Technique Barbell
Kids or technique barbells are an excellent choice for children or anyone looking to sharpen their lifting technique. You can use various things to get the same results, such as a PVC pipe. But a kids' or technique barbell is better if you want a more realistic barbell.
You can find options from around 2 to 5kg or 5 to 11lbs. At the same time, they may not be the best options for advanced lifters because they'll seem too light. They are better for beginners or lifters returning from an injury who don’t want to lift a 20kg barbell.
11. Swiss/Multi-Grip Bar
The Swiss or multi-grip barbell is a unique barbell. It’s designed with a ladder shape in the center. This offers the lifter a variety of different grips. This can help you focus on other muscles and reduce stress in certain areas. It weighs around 15 to 25kg or 35 to 55lbs.
Universal Standard barbell | 20 kg | 44 lbs |
Men’s Olympic barbell | 20 kg | 44 lbs |
Women’s Olympic barbell | 15 kg | 33 lbs |
Kids/Technique barbell | 5 kg | 11 lbs |
Powerlifting barbell | 20 kg | 44 lbs |
Deadlift barbell | 20 kg | 44 lbs |
Squat barbell | 20 kg | 44 lbs |
Safety squat barbell | 30 kg | 70 lbs |
EZ Curl Barbell | 5 kg | 11 lbs |
Smith Machine barbell | 5 kg to 10 kg | 11 lbs to 22 lbs |
Swiss/Multi-grip barbell | 15 kg to 25 kg | 35 lbs to 55 lbs |
Trap/Hex barbell | 13 kg to 31 kg | 25 lbs to 70 lbs |
Tricep barbell | 9 kg to 19 kg | 20 lbs to 40 lbs |
How Much Does A Barbell Weigh By Length?
7ft Olympic Barbell
How much does a 7ft Olympic barbell weigh? The answer is 44lbs or 20kg. They must all be this standard weight because they’re used for Olympic competitions such as Olympic powerlifting.
They are generally made out of high-quality steel and last a long time. They are the perfect weight for lifters looking to practice their powerlifting and Olympic lifts.
See Also - What Length Barbell Do I Need?
6ft Standard Barbell
How much does a 6ft standard barbell weigh? It can be anything from 15-25lbs or 6-11kg. Unlike Olympic barbells, they don’t have to meet certain conditions because they’re not used for competitions.
They are one foot smaller than the 7ft Olympic barbell, making them a good barbell for people that aren’t very advanced when it comes to lifting but are looking to progress to an Olympic barbell soon.
5ft Barbell
How much does a 5ft barbell weigh? They weigh approximately 25lbs or 11kg. You can use the smaller 5ft barbell for bicep curls and bench presses. Other barbells can be used for squats and deadlifts, but this remains a perfect barbell for beginners that might not be ready for the larger 6ft or 7ft barbells.
Short/Small Barbell
How much does a small barbell weigh? They usually weigh up to 11lbs or 5kg. These barbells are mainly designed to train techniques and for beginner lifters.
They are perfect for those looking to improve their form and for those recovering from injury. If you're a beginner looking to start lifting, then this barbell is ideal for you before you move on to larger barbells.
Why Barbell Weight Matters? (Benefits Of Knowing)
It is essential to know the weight and purpose of each bar to get the most out of your training. Barbell exercise can significantly enhance performance in many different sports. When you know the weight of each barbell, you can decide on how much weight you want to add to the barbells.
Choosing the right weight can significantly impact your lifting technique and maximize your strength, but you’ll need to select a suitable barbell to avoid injuries.
Many barbells weigh about the same, and all barbells are designed to be easily adjusted. However, to get the most out of them, you must know which exercises you want to focus on and how many weights you need to add.
To choose the correct barbell weight, you should think about how advanced you are with lifting weights, your weight, and what purpose you want to use the barbell for.
Popular Barbell Brands: How Much Do They Weigh?
There are many popular barbell brands, and their barbells differ in weight. The first brand is York. York has been one of the most popular brands in barbell development and manufacturing for the past 85 years. York barbells are engineered to perform at the highest level and are made with steel from the USA. As for how much does a York barbell weigh, it's generally about 15kg or 33lbs.
Secondly, we have the CAP barbell. CAP has been manufacturing weights in the USA since 1982. They have a range of different weights and barbells. Their barbell weighs 16kg or 35lbs.
Another famous American brand that is popular worldwide is Rogue Fitness. The Rogue Fitness barbell weighs 20kg or 44lbs. Lastly, there are no barbells at Planet Fitness, but they have Smith machine barbells weighing 15 to 20lbs or 6 to 9kg.
Frequently Asked Barbell Weight Questions
How much do barbell collars weigh?
Barbell collars are used to hold weight plates in place and can also be referred to as clips or cuffs. Generally, they come in various sizes and weights and usually weigh around 2.5kg or 5lbs.
Do you add the weight of the bar when benching?
Yes, usually, people include the bar's weight in the total weight amount. The bar's weight is included because you are lifting the weight of the bar and the weights themselves.
Do you count the bar weight when deadlifting?
Yes, usually, people include the bar's weight in the total weight when deadlifting. This is because you're lifting the barbell as well as the weights. Counting the bar's weight helps ensure you’re not adding excess weight.
Do barbells say how much they weigh?
Some brands include how much a barbell weighs, but this is not always the case. Usually, you can see the bar's weight at the end of the bar within the cylinder. If it doesn't say how much it weighs, you can weigh yourself on a scale without the bar, then step on it with the bar.
Conclusion
Finding out the weight of a barbell can be challenging at times. All of the different varieties, specific uses, and brands can cause confusion. However, you’ll now have answers to some of the most common questions regarding barbell sizes. This means you can make an informed choice about which one to buy.
Last Updated on December 16, 2022
