Walk into any gym, and you'll see barbells of different lengths, thicknesses, and weights. But how much do barbells weigh? Whether you’re a beginner just getting started with strength training or an experienced lifter looking for the right equipment, understanding barbell weights is essential for progressive overload, competition standards, and workout programming.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of barbells, their weights in both pounds (lbs) and kilograms (kg), and what you need to know when choosing the right one for your training.
Why Barbell Weight Matters
When lifting weights, knowing how much a barbell weighs is crucial for tracking progress, ensuring proper form, and lifting safely. Different barbells are designed for different purposes—powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, or general strength training.
Using the wrong barbell can impact technique and performance.
Weightlifting competitions have standard barbell weights, so knowing them helps for competition prep.
Beginners often underestimate bar weight, leading to difficulty in progressing.
Let’s explore the different types of barbells and their standard weights.
How Much Do Barbells Weigh?
Olympic Barbell
Barbell Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs)
Barbell Length: 7.2 ft (2.2 m)
Barbell Diameter: 28–29 mm
The Olympic barbell is the standard bar used in most gyms for squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. It is designed to handle heavy weights and has a slight whip, making it suitable for explosive lifts like the clean & jerk and snatch.
Men’s Olympic Barbell: 20 kg (44 lbs)
Women’s Olympic Barbell: 15 kg (33 lbs), slightly shorter and thinner for smaller hands
Most gym-goers and weightlifters train with Olympic barbells due to their durability and versatility.
Powerlifting Barbell
Barbell Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs)
Barbell Length: 7.2 ft (2.2 m)
Barbell Diameter: 29 mm
A powerlifting barbell is similar to an Olympic barbell but stiffer, with less whip. This makes it ideal for heavy, controlled lifts like squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.
Stiffer construction prevents unnecessary movement during heavy lifts.
Knurling is more aggressive to improve grip strength.
IPF competition standard bars weigh 20 kg (44 lbs).
If you’re focusing on strength over speed, a powerlifting barbell is the best choice.
Standard Barbell (Home Gym Barbell)
Barbell Weight: 10–15 kg (22–33 lbs)
Barbell Length: 5–7 ft (1.5–2.1 m)
Barbell Diameter: 25 mm
A standard barbell is what you’ll find in home gyms or budget-friendly commercial gyms. Unlike Olympic and powerlifting bars, standard barbells often:
Weigh between 10–15 kg (22–33 lbs), making them lighter and easier to handle.
Have thinner shafts, typically around 25 mm in diameter.
Use a 1-inch sleeve diameter, meaning they require different weight plates than Olympic bars.
While these are great for beginners, they don’t have the same load-bearing capacity as Olympic or powerlifting barbells.
EZ Curl Bar
Barbell Weight: 10–15 kg (22–33 lbs)
Barbell Length: 4 ft (1.2 m)
Barbell Diameter: 25 mm
The EZ curl bar is designed for arm exercises like bicep curls and skull crushers. It features a zigzag grip, which reduces wrist strain compared to straight bars.
Shorter and lighter than standard barbells.
Perfect for isolation exercises in bodybuilding.
Ideal for beginners and those with wrist pain.
Trap Bar (Hex Bar)
Barbell Weight: 20–30 kg (44–66 lbs)
Barbell Length: Varies (4–6 ft / 1.2–1.8 m)
Barbell Diameter: Varies
A trap bar, also called a hex bar, is commonly used for deadlifts and shrugs. Unlike a straight bar, it allows a more neutral grip, reducing strain on the lower back.
Regular trap bars weigh around 20 kg (44 lbs).
Heavy-duty trap bars can weigh up to 30 kg (66 lbs).
If you struggle with low back pain during deadlifts, a trap bar is a great alternative.
Safety Squat Bar (SSB)
Barbell Weight: 25–30 kg (55–66 lbs)
Barbell Length: 7 ft (2.1 m)
Barbell Diameter: 30+ mm
A safety squat bar is a specialty bar with a padded yoke and forward-facing handles. It’s great for squatting with less shoulder strain and improving quad strength.
Most SSBs weigh around 25 kg (55 lbs), though some go up to 30 kg (66 lbs).
Used in powerlifting, rehab, and functional strength training.
Great for people with limited shoulder mobility.
Axle Bar (Fat Bar)
Barbell Weight: 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs)
Barbell Length: 7 ft (2.1 m)
Barbell Diameter: 50 mm (twice as thick as a regular bar)
The axle bar is a thick bar used in grip strength training and strongman competitions. Since it lacks bearings, it doesn’t spin like an Olympic bar, making lifts more challenging.
Weighs between 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs).
Improves forearm and grip strength.
Popular in strongman and functional fitness training.
Which Barbell Should You Use?
Choosing the right barbell depends on your training goals and experience level.
For general strength training → Olympic barbell (20 kg / 44 lbs)
For powerlifting (squat, bench, deadlift) → Powerlifting barbell (20 kg / 44 lbs)
For home workouts and beginners → Standard barbell (10–15 kg / 22–33 lbs)
For biceps and triceps isolation → EZ curl bar (10–15 kg / 22–33 lbs)
For deadlifts and shrugs with less back strain → Trap bar (20–30 kg / 44–66 lbs)
For squats with shoulder mobility issues → Safety squat bar (25–30 kg / 55–66 lbs)
Each barbell has its own purpose, and using the right one can improve form, comfort, and performance.
Does Barbell Weight Affect Your Strength Gains?
Understanding how much do barbells weigh is more than just a technicality—it can directly influence strength gains, performance, and progression in your training. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter, choosing the right barbell weight can maximize results and reduce injury risk.
1. Progressive Overload and Barbell Weight
Progressive overload—the foundation of muscle and strength development—relies on gradually increasing resistance. If you’re not accounting for the exact weight of your barbell, your tracking may be inaccurate, leading to slower gains or even plateauing.
For example, if you’re lifting with a 15 kg (33 lbs) standard barbell instead of a 20 kg (44 lbs) Olympic bar, but not factoring that into your total weight calculations, you might accidentally undershoot your training intensity. Over time, these small miscalculations add up and can stall progress.
To optimize strength gains, always:
Account for the barbell’s weight in your total lift calculations.
Use a consistent barbell type in your workouts to ensure accurate tracking.
Gradually increase resistance, whether through heavier bars, more weight plates, or advanced techniques like tempo training and paused reps.
2. How Barbell Weight Affects Different Lifts
The type of barbell you use can change the mechanics of your lifts, affecting which muscles are engaged and how efficiently you move.
Bench Press: A stiffer powerlifting barbell (20 kg / 44 lbs) offers more control, while a thinner women’s Olympic barbell (15 kg / 33 lbs) may improve grip comfort for smaller hands.
Deadlifts: A deadlift-specific barbell (20 kg / 44 lbs) has more flex (“whip”), allowing for a faster pull off the ground, which can improve performance.
Squats: A safety squat bar (25–30 kg / 55–66 lbs) changes the load distribution, making it easier on the shoulders but harder on the quads.
By selecting the right barbell for each lift, you can enhance movement efficiency, prevent imbalances, and ensure long-term progress.
3. Does a Heavier Barbell Make You Stronger?
While heavier specialty bars (such as axle bars or safety squat bars) can increase strength demands due to their weight, the key factor in strength gains is progressive resistance over time.
If you always train with a heavier bar, your muscles adapt, but it doesn’t necessarily mean greater strength if you’re not continuously challenging them.
Grip strength and control improve when using thicker bars like the axle bar (15–20 kg / 33–44 lbs), but this doesn’t always translate to heavier lifts with standard barbells.
Some lifters switch to lighter bars (like the women’s Olympic bar at 15 kg / 33 lbs) for technique work before moving back to a standard barbell for heavier sets.
The best approach is to cycle between different barbells based on your goals—heavier bars for strength adaptation, lighter bars for speed and technique work, and specialty bars for targeting weak points.
4. How to Choose the Right Barbell for Strength Training
If your goal is pure strength, stick with:
Powerlifting barbell (20 kg / 44 lbs) for heavy squats, deadlifts, and presses.
Deadlift bar (20 kg / 44 lbs) if you want extra whip for pulling strength.
Safety squat bar (25–30 kg / 55–66 lbs) to develop quad and core strength while protecting your shoulders.
If your goal is hypertrophy (muscle growth):
Olympic barbell (20 kg / 44 lbs) for compound lifts.
EZ curl bar (10–15 kg / 22–33 lbs) for arm isolation work.
Trap bar (20–30 kg / 44–66 lbs) for heavy deadlifts and shrugs without excessive lower back strain.
For CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, or functional training:
Men’s Olympic bar (20 kg / 44 lbs) or women’s Olympic bar (15 kg / 33 lbs) for fast, explosive lifts.
Axle bar (15–20 kg / 33–44 lbs) to develop grip strength and forearm endurance.
Trap bar (20–30 kg / 44–66 lbs) for deadlift variation and jumping exercises.
By aligning barbell choice with your training goals, you’ll see faster gains, fewer injuries, and more efficient workouts.
Understanding How Much Do Barbells Weigh
So, how much do barbells weigh? The answer depends on the type of bar and its purpose. The standard Olympic barbell weighs 20 kg (44 lbs), but specialized bars range from 10 kg (22 lbs) to 30 kg (66 lbs).
Knowing the weight of your barbell ensures you’re tracking lifts accurately, progressing effectively, and choosing the right equipment for your goals. Whether you’re a powerlifter, bodybuilder, or casual gym-goer, understanding barbell weights is key to better training.
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