Last Updated On January 1, 2026
While many people assume that all dumbbells are the same weight, the truth is that the weight of a dumbbell bar can vary significantly.
In this article, I will explore the standard weight of dumbbell bars and how to determine the weight of your own dumbbells, as well as discuss the differences between different types of dumbbell bars.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, understanding the weight of your home gym equipment is essential for maximizing your workouts and achieving your fitness goals.
So, let’s get started!
What Exactly Is A Dumbbell Bar?
A dumbbell bar or a barbell is a type of weightlifting equipment designed for strength training and weightlifting exercises.
It is a short, rod-shaped bar typically made of steel or another durable material. It is used in conjunction with weight plates to increase the resistance and difficulty of an exercise.
Dumbbell bars are available in different lengths and weights, and you can use them for exercises, including bicep curls, tricep extensions, shoulder presses, and more.
A dumbbell bar weighs depending on the brand, material, and length of the bar. Different dumbbells may weigh closer to 5 pounds, while others may weigh slightly closer to 10 or 15 pounds.
How Heavy Are Dumbbell Bars?
Solid Standard Dumbbell Bar
Solid standard dumbbell bars are a common type of equipment used in weightlifting and strength training.[1]
These bars hold weight plates and are an essential piece of equipment for any home gym.
Standard thinner bars have a 1-inch diameter and hold weight plates with a 1 1/16-inch diameter hole. There are two types of standard handles available, smooth ends and threaded ends.
Smooth ends use a spring collar or crank-lock collar to hold the plates in place, while threaded ends use spin-lock collars that act as a nut on a bolt.
Spin-lock handles are generally preferred for safety reasons because they are easy to spin on and off quickly and are less likely to slip off suddenly.
Longer 15-18 inch standard dumbbell handles are becoming more common and tend to weigh around 5.5 pounds each.
Most standard bars are steel and weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. The exact weight of a solid standard dumbbell bar can be determined by the manufacturer or by weighing it on a scale.
Hollow Standard Dumbbell Bar
These bars are shorter in length than other types of weightlifting bars, such as barbells or a weight bar, and are designed to be held in the hands while lifting.
The weight of a hollow standard dumbbell bar is generally much lighter than other types of weightlifting bars, as these bars are often made of a lightweight material such as hollow steel.
However, it's important to note that these bars may only be able to hold up to 20 pounds, so they will not be suitable for very heavy weights.
Despite their lighter weight, hollow standard dumbbell bars can be used for a variety of exercises to help tone and strengthen the body.
Olympic Dumbbell Bar
The little brothers of the Olympic barbell, Olympic dumbbell bars are one of the most common types of weightlifting bars found in gyms and home workout setups.
These bars are slightly longer and thicker than standard dumbbell bars, which makes them suitable for heavier lifts and more challenging exercises.[2]
The accurate weight of an Olympic dumbbell bar varies depending on the brand and material it is made of, but they typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds each.
Some brands, such as Rogue and Titan Fitness, offer shorter 14.5-15 inch Olympic dumbbell handles that weigh around 9-8.2 pounds each.
These shorter handles are a good choice for those who want to add a decent amount of weight to their workouts without the handles getting too long and bumping into other equipment or each other during exercises.
In most cases, Olympic bars are made of steel, although some brands may use other materials such as aluminum or titanium.
The weight of a metal dumbbell bar will depend on the specific type of metal used and the overall length and thickness of the bar.
For example, a York dumbbell bar may weigh differently than another brand's bar.
Pro-Style Dumbbell Bar
These bars are typically made of steel or another durable material and are designed for various strength training exercises.
Pro-style dumbbell bars are often longer and thicker than standard dumbbell bars and may have a knurled grip for added grip and control during lifts.
The weight of a pro-style dumbbell bar may vary depending on the brand and material it is made of, but they tend to be heavier than standard dumbbell bars and may be able to hold more weight.
Pro-style dumbbell bars are a specialty item that can be confused with standard adjustable handles at first glance.
However, pro-style dumbbell handles are not really adjustable and are meant for assembling "pro-style" dumbbells, which are vintage-style dumbbells with a stack of plates on the ends instead of solid iron heads.
Pro-style dumbbell handles weigh from 2 to 6 pounds or more, depending on the length and number of plates they are meant to hold.
They are available in a range of sizes, with size #1 being the shortest and meant to hold one plate per side, and size #10 being the largest and weighing about 6 pounds.
These bars are commonly used in a safety squat and other heavy weight-lifting exercises.
Experienced lifters may prefer them due to their ability to hold different weights and the accuracy of their weight.
However, they may not be suitable for all exercises and may not be as versatile as other types of dumbbells.
How To Determine The Weight Of A Dumbbell Bar?
Determining the total weight of a dumbbell bar can be important for a number of reasons, such as ensuring you are using the appropriate weights for your strength training routine and tracking your progress.
If you have a safety squat bar, an EZ curl bar, a hex bar, or a CAP barbell, one of the easiest ways to find out their weight is by getting the information directly from the manufacturer.
If you purchase a new bar, the weight should be listed on the product information or the manufacturer's website.
If you have an older bar or are buying a used one, you can weigh it yourself using a scale, holding it, or directly weighing it.
You can also use a weight calculator or conversion chart to estimate the weight of the bar based on its dimensions and material density.
Choosing The Right Dumbbell Bar Weight For You
Here are some tips to consider when selecting the right weight for beginners, experienced lifters, men, and women:
Frequently Asked Dumbbell Bar Questions
Most of the time, they don’t. However, premade dumbbells, such as hexagonal dumbbells, tend to weigh close to or exactly the weight they are marked as.
Adjustable dumbbell bars can typically hold between 100 and 200 pounds per hand.
There are two possible reasons for the difference in weight between dumbbells at home and the gym. First, the design and size of the weights may vary, with gym weights potentially being smaller and more dense, making them more comfortable or easier to lift. Second, the perceived weight of the dumbbells may be influenced by psychological factors.
York dumbbell bars weigh around 2.2 kg (or 4.85 lbs).
Conclusion
The weight of a dumbbell bar can vary depending on the type of bar, the material it is made from, and the length of the bar.
Standard dumbbell bars typically weigh 4-5 pounds each, while Olympic bars weigh around 10 pounds each. The weight of a pro-style dumbbell bar can range from 2-6 pounds, depending on the size of the bar.
It is important to choose a weight that is appropriate for your strength level and the specific exercises you are doing to ensure a safe and effective workout.
References:
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/strength-training-time-benefits/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3780552/
