Tools / Plate Calculator
Plate Calculator
Enter a target weight and see exactly which plates to load per side. Includes a visual diagram of the bar setup.
The app calculates plates automatically for every set
SteelRep shows you exactly which plates to load before every set — and updates automatically as the weight changes across your program.
How to load a barbell
Loading a barbell correctly is one of the first practical skills you develop as a lifter. The process is straightforward: subtract bar weight from your target, divide by two to get the weight per side, then stack plates from heaviest to lightest, symmetrically.
Always collar the bar after loading, especially for overhead and squatting movements where plates shifting can affect balance. On a deadlift, collars are optional — some lifters prefer to leave them off so the bar can "whip" — but they are still good practice for safety.