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How Much Does a Barbell Weigh? What You Need to Know
The question of “how much does a barbell weigh” is an incredibly in-demand search term, and there is a good reason why.
Knowing how much a barbell weighs is essential for strength athletes and bodybuilders – how are you supposed to know how much you should be lifting if you do not know how much the weight you are lifting weighs?
This is precisely why we decided to create this article.
Let’s get straight into it and take a look at the answer to the question “how much does a barbell weigh”.
A barbell is a piece of weightlifting equipment that is used to hold weights so people can lift them in an efficient and mechanically advantageous manner.
Plenty of different sports use barbells, but perhaps the most common are bodybuilding, powerlifting, and Olympic weightlifting.
Some of the most popular exercises that can be performed with a barbell include squats, bench press, shoulder press, bicep curls, and deadlifts.
To put it simply; barbells are what make lifting weights feasible.
Without a way to slowly increase weight over time in a precise and repeatable manner, many sports and hobbies we know and love today would cease to exist.
How Much Does a Barbell Weigh?
Multi-Purpose Barbells
Multi-purpose barbells are designed for a variety of exercises and can be used for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, or general fitness.
They usually weigh between 15-25 kg (33-55 pounds).
Squat Barbells
Squat barbells are designed for squats and other lower-body exercises.
They usually weigh between 20-25 kg (44-55 pounds).
Deadlift Barbells
Deadlift barbells are designed for deadlifts and other heavy-lifting exercises.
They usually weigh between 20-27 kg (44-60 pounds) and have a more flexible shaft to allow for more whip during the lift.
How Much Each Bar Weighs?
Standard Barbells
Standard barbells are typically 5-6 feet long and have a diameter of 1 inch.
They usually weigh between 12-18 pounds (5-8 kg).
Olympic Barbells
Olympic barbells are typically 7 feet long and have a diameter of 2 inches.
They usually weigh 20 kg (44 pounds) for men’s bars and 15 kg (33 pounds) for women’s bars.
Powerlifting Barbells
Powerlifting barbells are similar to Olympic barbells in length and diameter, but they are designed to handle heavier weights.
They usually weigh 25 kg (55 pounds) for men’s bars and 20 kg (44 pounds) for women’s bars.
Cross-Training Barbells
Cross-training barbells are similar to Olympic barbells in size, but they are designed to be more versatile and suitable for a wider range of exercises.
They usually weigh 20 kg (44 pounds) for men’s bars and 15 kg (33 pounds) for women’s bars.
Hex Barbells
Hex barbells, also known as trap bars, are shaped like a hexagon and have two handles on either side.
They usually weigh between 20-25 kg (44-55 pounds).
Ez Curl Barbells
EZ curl barbells are shorter and have a more pronounced bend in the middle than standard barbells.
They usually weigh between 5-20 kg (11-44 pounds).
Safety Squat Barbells
Safety squat barbells have a padded yoke that sits on the lifter’s shoulders and a set of handles in front.
They usually weigh between 20-32 kg (44-70 pounds).
Women’s Barbells
Women’s barbells are similar in size to Olympic barbells but are designed for smaller hands and lighter weights.
They usually weigh between 10-15 kg (22-33 pounds).
Swiss Barbells
Swiss barbells, also known as football barbells, have angled handles that allow for a more neutral grip.
They usually weigh between 20-32 kg (44-70 pounds).
Log Barbells
Log barbells are cylindrical and made of solid metal.
They usually weigh between 20-45 kg (44-99 pounds).
Short Barbells
Short barbells are typically less than 5 feet long and have a diameter of 1 inch.
They usually weigh between 5-12 kg (11-26 pounds).
Triceps Barbells
Triceps barbells, also known as cambered bars, have a curved shape that allows for a more comfortable grip during triceps exercises.
They usually weigh between 5-20 kg (11-44 pounds)
Here are the aforementioned barbell types and weights in list format:
Standard Barbells: 12-18 pounds (5-8 kg)
Olympic Barbells: 20 kg (44 pounds)
Powerlifting Barbells: 25 kg (55 pounds)
Cross-Training Barbells: 20 kg (44 pounds)
Hex Barbells: 20-25 kg (44-55 pounds)
Ez Curl Barbells: 5-20 kg (11-44 pounds)
Safety Squat Barbells: 20-32 kg (44-70 pounds)
Women’s Barbells: 10-15 kg (22-33 pounds)
Swiss Barbells: 20-32 kg (44-70 pounds)
Log Barbells: 20-45 kg (44-99 pounds)
Short Barbells: 5-12 kg (11-26 pounds)
Triceps Barbells: 5-20 kg (11-44 pounds)
What Affects Barbell Weight?
Type of Barbell
The type of barbell can have a huge influence on weight, as different types of barbells are designed for different purposes and come in different shapes and sizes.
For example, Olympic weightlifting bars are longer and thinner than powerlifting bars, which are shorter and thicker.
This can affect the overall weight of the barbell.
Length of the Bar
The length of the bar is another factor that can influence weight.
Longer bars tend to weigh more than shorter bars, all else being equal.
Material
The material that the barbell is made of can also affect weight.
Most barbells are made of steel, but the type and quality of the steel can vary.
Some barbells may be made of other materials, such as aluminium or titanium, which can also affect their weight.
Diameter of the Bar
Another factor that can influence weight is the diameter of the bar.
Thicker bars tend to weigh more than thinner bars, and as you would expect, the thicker the bar, the more it is going to weigh.
Knurling
knurling might not be the biggest factor when it comes to the weight of a barbell, but it certainly plays a role.
Knurling is the pattern of small ridges on the surface of the bar that help to provide grip, and bars with more aggressive knurling usually weigh slightly more due to the added materials.
Collars
Finally, the collars on a barbell can have an effect on weight.
Different types of collars may have different weights, and if a set of collars is heavier than another, then a barbell is going to weigh more.
Our Recommended Barbell
There are plenty of incredible barbells out there, but we would recommend the Body Revolution Olympic Barbell Bar to anyone looking for an great option overall.
This barbell is affordable, incredibly strong, has a ton of positive reviews, and is made by a reliable manufacturer, making it an ideal choice for the majority of people.
Standard weight bars that weigh 20KG/44LBS usually have a weight limit of 450KG or 1000 pounds.
Although, it is worth noting that this can vary depending on the specific barbell as well as its brand.
EZ Curl Weight Bars and Trap Bars
EZ Curl bars typically have a weight capacity of around 200kg/440 pounds. However, this can vary depending on the specific design and construction of the bar.
Trap bars, also known as hex bars, usually have a weight capacity of around 400-500kg/880-1100 pounds.
Both of these figures can vary depending on the brand of the bar as well as the intended use.
How Much Does a Barbell Weigh – FAQs
How Much Does a Barbell Weigh in kg?
A standard barbell weighs 20KG.
This can vary depending on the specific barbell in question.
How Much Does a Standard Barbell Weight?
A standard barbell weighs 20KG or 44LBS.
Are Barbells 20 or 25 KG?
Standard barbells are 20KG.
Does a Barbell Weigh 20 KG?
Yes, a standard barbell does weigh 20KG.
Although, weight can vary depending on which type of barbell you have.
Are All Barbells 45 Pounds (20KG)?
No, not all barbells are 45 pounds/20KG.
There are a plethora of different types of barbell, all of which have different weights and uses.
Are Olympic Barbells Heavier Than All Others?
Yes, Olympic barbells are heavier than all other barbells in general.
However, this does vary depending on the type of Olympic barbell as well as whether or not modified barbells are being included.
Is Barbell Heavier Than Dumbbell?
Yes, barbells are heavier than dumbbells in general.
However, any dumbbell that weighs over 20KG or 44LBS will be heavier than a barbell with no weight.
How Much Does a Barbell Weigh KG?
A standard barbell weighs 20KG.
This can vary depending on the type of barbell.
How Much Does a Small Barbell Weigh?
A small barbell can weigh as little as 10KG or 22 pounds.
However, this does vary depending on the specific barbell in question.
How Much Does a Bench Bar Weigh KG?
A standard barbell used for bench press weighs 20KG.
This can vary depending on which type of barbell you are using.
What is The Empty barbell weight KG?
The empty barbell weight KG is 20KG.
This is for a standard barbell. Weighs can vary drastically depending on which type of barbell is in question.
How Much Does a Squat Bar Weigh?
A squat bar weighs 20KG or 44LBS.
How Much Does the Bar Weigh Bench Press?
A usual bench press bar weighs 20KG or 44LBS.
This can vary depending on the type of barbell being used.
We hope this article has been able to help you.
Knowing the standard bar weight/empty barbell weight is essential if you want to take your training seriously, and if you do not know how much a barbell weighs, you will never be able to precisely monitor your progress.
If you would like more fitness advice, don’t hesitate to take a look at the other content we have at Movingforwards.
Giving an answer to “how much does a barbell weigh” is just one of the many ways we can help you.
