Complete Guide: Plate Calculator for Powerlifting
Calculate plate configurations for competition and training. Plan your warm-up weights and attempt selections quickly.
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Expert Tips for Powerlifting
- ✓Standard barbell is 20kg/45lbs - always account for this first
- ✓Competition plates: 25kg, 20kg, 15kg, 10kg, 5kg, 2.5kg, 1.25kg (per side)
- ✓Plan warm-up jumps: roughly 10-15% increases until opener
- ✓Know your gym's plates - commercial gyms often lack kilo plates
- ✓Practice loading in competition plate order for meet day
- ✓Collars typically add 2.5kg total - account for this if required
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate plates for a lift?
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Subtract bar weight (45lb/20kg), divide by 2 for each side, then work from largest to smallest plates. Example: 315lbs - 45 = 270, ÷2 = 135 per side = 45 + 45 + 45.
What's the standard plate order for loading?
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Largest plates first, nearest the collar. Competition: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25. This ensures stable bar and easier loading/unloading.
How do I plan warm-up weights?
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Typical: empty bar, 40%, 60%, 75%, 85%, opener. For 500lb squat: 45, 200, 300, 375, 425, 500. Adjust based on feel and preference.
Why won't my numbers work evenly?
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Not all weights divide evenly with available plates. Round to nearest loadable weight. In training, close enough is fine. For competition, use 1.25kg plates.
Do I count collars in the total?
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Competition collars are usually 2.5kg total (1.25kg each). Some federations include, some don't. Check rules. In training, most people don't count standard collars.
Looking for the standard plate calculator?
Go to Main Plate Calculator