Some people omit the barbell weight when they calculate their lifts. Don’t do this. Knowing how heavy your bar is means you can be consistent with your training on different pieces of equipment or within different gyms. So, how much does a barbell weigh?
Barbell weight depends on the type of barbell. A regular Olympic bar weighs between 35 – 45 lbs or 15 – 20 kg. However, when considering all barbell types, they can range between 3 lbs to 135 lbs.
Here’s a complete list of every barbell type and their weight ranges.
Table of Contents
Common Types of Barbells and Their Weights
Standard Barbell
The standard barbell is a type of barbell commonly used in group fitness classes. It usually weighs around 3 to 15 pounds. They are not suitable for strength training as they have weight capacities around 100 kg or below.
The entire shaft diameter is 25 mm (1”) and ranges between 5 – 7 ft making it lightweight. For example, the BalanceForm 5 ft standard barbell weighs 3 lbs and the CAP 60” standard bar weighs 14 lbs.
Olympic Barbell
The Olympic barbell is the most versatile piece of strength training equipment. They are typically 7 feet long and weigh 35 lbs (15 kg) for women and 45 lbs (20 kg) for men. The women’s barbell is only relevant in CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting as it is used in competition.
Powerlifting barbells are all 45 lbs or 20 kg. Women’s barbells are thinner, sporting a 25 mm shaft diameter versus a 28 mm diameter for a men’s bar helping with this weight reduction.
Olympic barbells are known for their durability and are designed to withstand heavy loads. This is the type of barbell for your home gym. For example, a Rogue Bella 2.0 barbell weighs 15 kg, and an Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Training Bar weighs 20 kg.
Safety Squat Bar
The safety squat bar is a specialty barbell designed to spare your shoulders, wrists, and elbows. It features a unique design with pads that rest on your shoulders and handles in front of you.
It means you don’t need to get into a position with your hands behind your back, making it more comfortable and stable during exercise. Safety squat bars typically weigh between 45 – 65 lbs and are commonly used by powerlifters and individuals recovering from injuries.
For example, the Titan Fitness Safety Squat Bar weighs 45 lbs, while the premium EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar weighs 65 lbs. Weight typically indicates build quality in specialty barbells.
EZ Curl Bar
The EZ curl bar is a popular barbell used for biceps and triceps exercises. Because it has a distinct curved shape, like the Z shape, it reduces the strain on your wrists and elbow. This is what makes it an excellent substitute for the straight barbell curl.
EZ curl bars usually weigh 15 to 35 pounds, depending on build quality. For example, an unbranded Amazon Curl Bar weighs 15 lbs, while a well-constructed Rogue Rackable Curl Bar weighs 35 lbs.
Trap Bar (Hex Bar)
The trap bar, or the hex bar, is a hexagonal-shaped barbell with neutral grip handles. This design changes the lift’s dynamics, often making it easier on the back and shifting the emphasis to the quadriceps.
It is primarily used for deadlifts, shrugs, and carries. Trap bars weigh 45 to 60 pounds, depending on the manufacturer and design. For example, the CAP Trap Bar weighs 45 lbs, while the Rogue TB-2 Trap Bar weighs a whopping 60 lbs.
Cambered Bar
There are two types of cambered bars. One has 90° bends on either side, so it’s like a yoke implement. This allows you to have your arms to your side while squatting, lowering the center of gravity when performing exercise, increasing balance.
The other type of cambered bar is a buffalo bar which is slightly curved, reducing the stress on your shoulders when squatting and increasing the range of motion when bench pressing. These barbells have the largest weight range of 45 – 85 lbs because of the different designs and uses.
For example, the Titan Fitness Cambered Bench Press Bar weighs 45 lbs, while the Rogue Fitness CB-1 Camber Bar weighs 85 lbs.
Swiss Bar
Swiss bars, or multi-grip bars, feature multiple grip options for various pressing and rowing exercises. This design allows for neutral grip positions, making it easier on the shoulders and wrists. This is a lifesaver for lifters who can no longer bench press with a straight bar.
Swiss bars weigh between 35 – 45 lbs. For example, the EliteFTS American Multi Angle Press Bar weighs 35 lbs, while the REP Fitness Cambered Swiss Bar weighs 45 lbs.
Triceps Bar
Triceps bars are not essential bars for your home gym or commercial gym. In fact, Swiss bars can act as larger triceps barbells. However, you may see these lying around in gyms and wondering how much they weigh.
Typically, a triceps bar weighs between 20 – 25 lbs. For example, the CAP Triceps Bar weighs 20 lbs, while the Titan Fitness Triceps Bar weighs 25 lbs.
Technique Bar
Technique bars are designed for youth lifters to learn the Olympic lifts. They are much lighter than a regular Olympic Weightlifting barbell so they can progress from the broomstick to a light bar. Going from a broomstick to a 20 kg barbell is a big jump for a small child.
Further, weaker female beginners may start with a technique barbell if the 15 kg women’s bar is too heavy. Technique bars weigh either 2.5-, 5-, or 10 kg depending on the barbell. A typical technique barbell is 10 kg, like the Rogue Junior bar.
But they also have a 2.5 kg technique barbell.
Log Bars
Logs are implemented for Strongman training. Most Strongman competitions have a log lift, so it’s essential to have one if you are competitive. They come in various sizes, which dictates the weight. However, logs are the heaviest barbell you’ll have.
Small 8″ logs are 60 lbs like the Titan Fitness 8″ Log, while large 12″ logs are up to 135 lbs like the Rogue LB-3 Log Bar.
Axle/Fat Bars
Fat bars or axles are thick barbells, typically with a 2″ shaft diameter. It’s like gripping the sleeves of your Olympic bar. This makes them more challenging to grip, which can improve forearm and grip strength. You’ll find a range of weights with fat bars, and lighter ones tend to break easily.
They range from 22 – 70 lbs, with the REP Fitness Axle Bar weighing 22 lbs and the EliteFTS El Gordo Fat Bar weighing 70 lbs.
Factors That Affect Barbell Weight
Material
Most bars are made from alloy steel, giving them their weight. Larger specialty bars are typically heavier than regular barbells because they are larger implements. For example, fat bars are 2″ in diameter versus 1″.
Logs have far more real estate than a regular barbell owing to their three times heavier weight. However, some cheaper bars use steel pipe, which is hollow inside, such as Rogue and Titan Axle bars. This is what makes them much lighter than heavy-duty axles.
Length
Length plays a role in weight since the longer the bar, the more steel is used. 7 feet is the typical barbell length, but specialty bars, such as a deadlift barbell or logs, may exceed this.
Shaft Diameter
Shaft diameter influences barbell weight since larger diameters require more steel. High-quality fat bars, while the same length as a regular barbell, are significantly heavier since they add an extra inch in diameter.
A 3 mm smaller diameter for a women’s barbell makes it 15 kg instead of 20 kg.
Manufacturing Tolerances
There might be slight variances in the manufacturing process that could lead to minor weight differences between barbells of the same model.
Premium barbell companies like Eleiko have a tight weight tolerance, typically within 0.5% of the stated weight. Other companies are more lenient, leading to larger fluctuations in the stated weight.
Frequently Asked Barbell Weight Questions
How Much Does An Olympic Barbell Weigh?
The standard weight of an Olympic barbell is 45 pounds or 20 kg for men and 35 pounds or 15 kg for women.
Are All Barbells The Same Weight?
No, different types of barbells have different weights. For example, a standard barbell typically weighs around 3 to 15 pounds, while an Olympic barbell weighs 35 to 45 lbs or 15 to 20 kg.
Can I Change The Weight Of A Barbell?
You cannot change the weight of an empty barbell. But you can add weight by adding weight plates.
Can I Use Different Types Of Barbells For Different Exercises?
Yes, different types of barbells are designed for specific exercises. For example, an EZ curl bar is commonly used for bicep curls, while a safety squat bar is ideal for squats.
A Powerlifting barbell is designed for Powerlifters, while Olympic Weightlifting barbells are designed for the Olympic lifts. Using the appropriate barbell for each exercise ensures proper form and maximizes workout effectiveness.
Summary
Understanding the weight of a barbell is essential for anyone interested in strength training and fitness so you can accurately measure progress. Further, with specialty bars, weight often indicates manufacturing quality.