How does the plate calculator work?
By Dan Taylor
Quickly calculate which plates to load on your barbell for any weight.
The Plate Calculator is a premium feature that eliminates mental math at the gym:
What It Does
Calculates exactly which plates to add to each side of a barbell to reach your target weight.
How to Use
Method 1: From Exercise Entry
- When adding or editing an exercise
- Tap the calculator icon (⚖️)
- Plate calculator opens
Method 2: From Tools Menu
- During an active workout
- Tap "Tools" in the workout view
- Select "Plate Calculator"
Calculator Interface
Inputs:
- Barbell weight: Usually 20kg (45lbs) or 15kg (35lbs)
- Target weight: Your total lift weight
- Unit system: Metric (kg) or Imperial (lbs)
Output:
- Plates per side: List of plates to add
- Visual breakdown: Color-coded plate diagram
- Verification: Shows total weight achieved
Supported Plate Sets
Metric (kg):
- 25kg, 20kg, 15kg, 10kg, 5kg, 2.5kg, 1.25kg, 0.5kg
Imperial (lbs):
- 45lbs, 35lbs, 25lbs, 10lbs, 5lbs, 2.5lbs
Example Calculations
Target: 100kg with 20kg bar
- Calculation: (100kg - 20kg) ÷ 2 = 40kg per side
- Result: 1×25kg + 1×15kg per side
- Verification: 20kg + 40kg + 40kg = 100kg ✓
Target: 225lbs with 45lbs bar
- Calculation: (225lbs - 45lbs) ÷ 2 = 90lbs per side
- Result: 2×45lbs per side
- Verification: 45lbs + 90lbs + 90lbs = 225lbs ✓
Visual Display
Plates shown as colored circles:
- Red: Heaviest plates (25kg/45lbs)
- Blue: Medium plates (20kg/35lbs)
- Yellow: Lighter plates (15kg/25lbs)
- Green: Small plates (10kg/10lbs)
- White: Micro plates (2.5kg/2.5lbs and smaller)
Pro Tip: Use the calculator to quickly double-check your loaded barbell before your working sets. It's especially helpful for complex weights!