How Much Does a Weight Lifting Bar Weigh? Should You Count It When Lifting?
Quick Answer
In nearly every commercial gym, the standard Olympic barbell weighs 45 lbs (20 kilograms). If you load one 45‑lb plate on each side, you’re pressing 135 lbs total—because the bar counts.
Common Questions—Answered Fast
“How heavy is the bar?”
“How much does a bar weigh on bench press?”
“How much does the weight bar weigh?”
All refer to the same thing: the unloaded barbell’s weight. In most cases that’s 45 lbs, but certain specialty or beginner bars are lighter or heavier. Keep reading for the full breakdown.
Types of Barbells & Their Weights
Standard Olympic / Power bar — 45 lbs (20 kg). The go‑to for squats, bench press, and deadlifts.
Women’s Olympic bar — 33 lbs (15 kg). Slightly thinner shaft; ideal for Olympic lifts and smaller hands.
Technique bar — 15–25 lbs. Aluminum or light steel for learning form and youth training.
EZ / Curl bar — 15–25 lbs. Cambered shaft for biceps curls and triceps extensions.
Trap (hex) bar — 45–65 lbs. Centers the load for deadlifts and shrugs.
Smith‑machine bar — 15–35 lbs (counter‑weighted). Always check the sticker on the frame.
Safety‑squat or cambered bar — 60–70 lbs. Shifts the center of gravity forward for squat variations.
Axle (thick) bar — 44–55 lbs. Two‑inch shaft challenges grip strength.
Bar Type | Weight (lbs) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
Standard Olympic / Power | 45 | Squat, bench, deadlift |
Women’s Olympic | 33 | Olympic lifts, smaller hands |
Technique | 15–25 | Learning form, youth athletes |
EZ / Curl | 15–25 | Biceps curls, triceps extensions |
Trap (Hex) | 45–65 | Deadlifts, shrugs |
Smith‑machine* | 15–35 | Guided bench/squat variations |
Safety‑squat / Cambered | 60–70 | Squat variations, rehab work |
Axle (Thick) | 44–55 | Grip‑intensive lifts |
*Varies with counter‑weight—confirm on the machine.
Should You Count the Bar on Bench Press, Squats, and Deadlifts?
Yes—always. Leaving out the barbell weight skews your numbers, masks progress, and makes strength-training programs harder to follow. Whether you’re bench-pressing at home, curling in a hotel gym, or maxing out a power bar with rotating sleeves, the bar is part of the load your muscles move.
Why Counting the Bar Matters for Progress
Accurate overload: Progressive-overload training demands consistent tracking; skipping the bar hides real tonnage.
Program integrity: Most strength plans (e.g., 5×5, PHUL) assume you’re logging the full system weight.
Fair comparisons: Comparing lifts with friends or online peers works only when everyone includes the barbell weight.
Injury prevention: Jumping 45 lbs in a single session because you “forgot the bar” is a recipe for strained joints and stalled gains.
At-Home & Specialty Bars
Building a home gym? Know your gear before you log:
Standard barbell: Often 35–45 lbs; chrome sleeves keep cost low.
Technique bar: Lightweight aluminum, perfect for mastering Olympic lifts.
EZ bars & curl bars: Shorter, cambered shafts reduce wrist stress.
Trap and hex bars: Neutral handles make hip-dominant lifts more ergonomic.
Hex-sleeved “farmers carry” bars: Great for grip and loaded carries.
Whatever tool you choose, record its empty weight in your workout app so you never second-guess your numbers.
FAQ
How much does a bench‑press bar weigh?
If you’re pressing with a standard Olympic or power bar, it weighs 45 lbs before you add plates. That’s why the classic “one‑plate per side” bench comes out to 135 lbs total.
Is a Smith‑machine bar really 45 lbs?
Usually not. The guide rods and counter‑balance reduce the effective starting load to 15–35 lbs, depending on the manufacturer. Always look for the weight sticker on the frame or ask gym staff so you log your lifts accurately.
Key Takeaways
How much does a bar weigh? Almost always 45 lbs, but verify specialty bars.
How much does the bar weigh on bench press? If it’s an Olympic or power bar, 45 lbs.
How heavy is the bar in a Smith machine? Anywhere from 15–35 lbs depending on the counterweight.
Should you count it? Absolutely—every rep, every set.
The Bottom Line
Most weight lifting bars in gyms weigh 45 lbs, and yes, that weight counts. Next time you log your sets or try for a personal best, include the bar—it’s part of the lift.
