Knowing the weight of your weightlifting bar is essential for tracking progress and optimising performance—just like wearing muscle fit shirts ensures the perfect fit for your training sessions. Not all barbells weigh the same, and understanding these differences helps you choose the right equipment, set realistic goals, and make informed decisions in the gym.
But how much does a standard weightlifting bar weight? A standard weightlifting bar typically weighs 20kg (44lbs) for men and 15kg (33lbs) for women. Some specialty bars, like training or technique bars, can weigh less, while powerlifting bars may be slightly heavier.
It doesn’t take long to find that all barbells aren’t 20kg when, in fact, bar weights can differ immensely with type, design and purpose. In this guide we will take a look at the different barbell types and their weights, how to know what to look for and how to identify it, and the key details that you need to help you pick the right bar for achieving your workout goals.
How Much Does a Weightlifting Bar Weigh?
The standard weight for an Olympic barbell is typically 20kg for men, which is used in most gyms and competitions worldwide. However, other types of weightlifting bars—such as women’s barbells, EZ bars, and hex bars—vary in weight, usually ranging from 5kg to 30kg. Each bar’s weight is designed to serve a specific purpose, from powerlifting and Olympic lifting to isolation movements like curls and tricep extensions.
Are All Barbells 20kg?
Not all barbells are 20kg. While 20kg is common for standard men’s Olympic bars, other bars are lighter or heavier. For example, women’s Olympic bars weigh 15kg, and specialty bars, like the trap bar, can weigh 25-30kg. Factors such as bar length, thickness, and intended use all contribute to variations in weight. Knowing the type of bar you’re working with can help you adjust your workout accordingly and keep your tracking accurate.
How Heavy is a Bar Without Weights?
The weight of a barbell without any added plates is the “bar weight.” Knowing this weight is vital to getting the total weight you are lifting correct. For instance, if you’re rifing with a 20 kg Olympic bar, then you should add the weight of the bar with the plates you add together. It’s a big deal in terms of increasing consistency, and it helps when you’re logging your weights in a training journal.
How Do I Know if My Barbell is 15 or 20kg?
There are a few ways to determine whether your barbell is 15kg or 20kg. Men's Olympic bars are typically 7.2 feet long with a thicker grip and weigh 20kg, while women’s bars are around 6.5 feet long, have a thinner grip, and weigh 15kg. Checking the bar’s markings, grip width, and length can help identify its weight. Some bars may even have the weight printed near the end caps. At Oxcloth, we encourage lifters to know the details of their equipment to better optimize their training with gear that provides comfort and durability.
Men’s vs. Women’s Barbells
Men’s barbells and women’s barbells are different in the weight and design in Olympic lifting competition. Men’s bars are 20kg, 2.2m long and have a thicker grip of 28-29mm for more stability when lifting a heavier weight. Shrtier at 2.01 m with a femnally slimmed down 25 mm grip, women's bars are 15 kg heavh for control and comfort. The adjustments are for different lifting styles and make it easier for any lifter at any experience level to maintain proper form.
Weight of Clips on Barbells
Clips or collars are used to secure plates on the bar, and while they may seem insignificant, they add additional weight. Standard gym clips generally weigh between 0.5kg and 2kg each. For precision in tracking, it’s worth noting the weight of any clips used, especially in competitive lifting. At Oxcloth, our lifting accessories are designed to withstand the load, providing both secure plate retention and reliable performance.
Weight of Olympic Bar (kg)
Olympic bars are a specific type of barbell used in competitive lifting. Men’s Olympic bars weigh 20kg, while women’s Olympic bars are 15kg. These bars are designed to withstand high weights and include features like whip and knurling to enhance lifting performance. Olympic bars are commonly found in most gyms and are typically used for squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
Different Types of Barbells and How Much They Weigh
There are several types of barbells other than the standard Olympic bar, and all are used for different things and with different weights.
1" Spinlock Standard Barbell Weight
The spinlock barbells are normally from 5 to 10kg. Olympic bars are 1 inch in diameter, which is lighter and smaller than the bars they have. For beginners or for use in a small space, they are ideal.
Olympic Barbell Weight
The men’s Olympic barbell weights 20kg and the women’s version 15kg. Competitive lifting sports use Olympic bars which are built for heavy lifting.
Safety Squat Bar Weight
The safety squat bar is about 20 to 25kg in weight and is intended to take the pressure off the shoulder. Squats are more comfortable for people with shoulder problems or mobility problems because of its shape, but because of its shape, some of the weight is shifted to the lifter’s front.
Trap Bar/Hex Bar Weight
25-30kg deadlifts are trap or hex bars. The shape is unique because the lifters stand in the middle of the hexagonal units that are hexagonal, to promote better posture and relieve strain on the back.
The Multi-Grip Bar
The Swiss bar, also called the multi grip bar generally weighs about 15 to 20kg. This one has a few different grips, so perfect for bench presses and rows and whatnot, and a more ergonomic wrist position.
Tricep Bar Weight
Tricep bars are just 7-10kg. The EZ Bar Weight is unique in design so we can perform close grip exercise, which means you’re working triceps and using an alternative to the barbell or dumbbell.
The EZ bar, often used for curls and tricep exercises, weighs about 6-9kg. Its curved shape helps reduce strain on the wrists and elbows, making it popular for isolation exercises.
Factors Affecting Barbell Weight
The weight of a barbell depends on how long it is, what it’s made of, what size it is, and what it’s for. Lighter home gym standard barbells are shorter and lighter, while Olympic and specialty bars are built to take heavier weights and made from reinforced materials.
Choosing the Right Barbell for Your Training
Finally it comes down to the type of training you want to do, the experience you have in the gym and what you like or not. If you are a beginner, then a standard barbell or spinlock bar may be just what you need, if you are more advanced, then Olympic bars or specialty bars like the safety squat or trap bar may be better for you. Oxcloth offers a wide variety of lifting apparel which works great with any bar type, giving you comfort and support for any exercise.
Why We Recommend Oxcloth for Serious Lifters
We know serious lifting at Oxcloth. Designed for heavy duty workouts, our gear is comfortable, durable, and gives you the movement you need. Our apparel works with whatever Olympic bar, specialty bar, or lighter spinlock bar you use, providing you the confidence and performance boost you need to get to your goals.
Conclusion
Knowing the weight of different types of barbells is important in order for training to be effective. There are different types of bar that serve a different purpose, and you can use your barbell to help you optimize your workouts if you know what specific weight and design. Each bar has been tailored from the 20kg Olympic bar to the 7kg tricep bar to improve different exercises.
For lifters seeking a reliable partner in their lifting journey, Oxcloth offers high-quality gear that supports all types of training, ensuring you’re prepared to take on any lift with confidence.
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