How Much Does a Barbell Weigh?

Have you ever noticed the wide variety of barbells in the gym? Have you ever wondered how heavy a barbell you really need? Understanding the different types of barbells and their weights is essential for safe and effective strength training. This article will take an in-depth look at the various types of barbells and their weights, helping you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Quick Answer:

Barbell weights vary depending on their design and purpose. The most common standard Olympic barbell typically weighs 20 kg (44 lbs) for men and 15 kg (33 lbs) for women.

How Many Types of Barbells Are There?

There are various types of barbells on the market, which can be generally divided into four main categories: powerlifting barbells, Olympic weightlifting barbells, multi-purpose barbells, and specialty barbells.

• Olympic Weightlifting Barbell: 

The Olympic weightlifting barbell is the most common barbell found in gyms. It features high-speed bearings that allow the sleeves and weight plates to rotate freely around the shaft. The bar also has knurling, and often includes a center knurl, which helps stabilize the bar on the shoulders or neck. This design makes it ideal for Olympic weightlifting movements such as the snatch and clean & jerk.

• Powerlifting Barbell: 

A powerlifting barbell is primarily designed for the three lifts in the powerlifting events: squat, bench press, and deadlift. It is usually characterized by aggressive knurling, bushing sleeves, and minimal sleeve rotation. Compared to an Olympic weightlifting bar, a powerlifting barbell has a wider shaft diameter and higher tensile strength, which provides greater rigidity and stability under heavy loads. Since it is intended for slower strength exercises rather than explosive movements, rotation is not a priority in its design, so these bars are usually made with bushings.

• Multi-Purpose Barbell: 

A multi-purpose barbell sits between a powerlifting barbell and an Olympic weightlifting barbell. It is designed to accommodate a variety of training needs, also can be called a hybrid barbell or all-purpose Olympic barbell. It usually features moderate knurling and rotation, and uses hybrid, bearing, or composite bushing sleeves, making it suitable for nearly all types of training.

• Specialty Barbells: 

Specialty barbells are designed for specific training purposes, unlike standard Olympic barbells or powerlifting barbells. They often feature unique shapes, grips, or constructions to accommodate particular exercises or training needs. Common specialty barbells on the market include Safety Squat Bar, EZ Curl Bar, Trap Bar, and Deadlift Bar. 

How Heavy is a Barbell?

The barbell weight can vary depending on their design and purpose. Here is an overview of commonly used barbells in gyms, along with some less common types and their typical weights (for reference only).

Olympic Barbell:

Olympic bar weight typically has two standard options based on gender:

Olympic Barbell	Weight	Length	Shaft Diameter	Sleeves
Men	44 lbs (20 kg)	86.6” (2.2 m)	1” (28-32 mm)	2” (50 mm) wide
Women	33 lbs (15 kg)	79.1” (2 m)	0.98” (25 mm)	2” (50 mm) wide

Powerlifting Bar: 

Its weight is similar to a standard Olympic barbell, typically 44 lbs (20 kg) for both men and women.

Short Bar/Lightweight Barbell: 

Ideal for beginners, light training, or isolation exercises like curls and raises. It typically measures 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) in length and weighs 15-33 lbs (7-15 kg).

Safety Squat Bar:

The safety squat bar features padding and handles in the middle of the bar, allowing the lifter to hold the handles without reaching behind. This reduces stress on the shoulders and arms during squats. It typically weighs between 45 and 70 lbs (20–32 kg).

EZ Curl Bar:

The EZ Curl Bar has a W-shaped curve and is designed for upper-body training, especially bicep and tricep exercises. It is relatively short, around 4 ft (1.2 m) in length, and lightweight, typically weighing between 25 and 35 lbs (11–16 kg).

Trap Bar/Hex Bar: 

A hex bar (or trap bar) is a barbell with a hexagonal (six-sided) opening in the center, allowing the lifter to stand inside the bar. The lifter grips the handles in the middle and lifts the bar from the ground. This design places the center of gravity closer to the body’s center rather than in front of it. Hex bars typically weigh between 40 and 70 lbs (18–32 kg).

Deadlift Bar:

A deadlift bar is a barbell specifically designed to maximize deadlift performance. Its shaft is longer and thinner than a standard bar, allowing for greater flex (or “whip”), which helps lift heavier weights. The bar typically weighs 44 lbs (20 kg) for men and 33 lbs (15 kg) for women, the same as a standard Olympic bar.

Conclusion:

Types of Barbells	Weight (lbs)
Olympic Barbell	44 lbs for men, 33 lbs for women
Powerlifting Bar	44 lbs
Short Bar	15-33 lbs
Safety Squat Bar	45-70 lbs
EZ Curl Bar	25-35 lbs
Trap Bar/Hex Bar	40-70 lbs
Deadlift Bar	44 lbs for men, 33 lbs for women

Now that you understand the different types of barbells and their weights, choose the one that best fits your training needs, and start your home workouts with GXMMAT now!

FAQs:

1. What’s Standard Barbell?

A standard barbell features a consistent 1-inch diameter for both the shaft and the sleeves. Because it does not support 2-inch Olympic sleeves or weight plates, its compatibility is limited. This type of barbells do not rotate like others, making it unsuitable for complex lifts such as the snatch or clean and jerk. Its load capacity is also relatively low, which makes it more suitable for beginners or individual trainers at home.

2. How Much Does an Olympic Bar Weigh?

Men’s Olympic barbells typically weigh 20 kg (44 lbs), while women’s Olympic bars weigh 15 kg (33 lbs).

3. How Much Do a Bench Press Bar Weigh?

The most commonly used bench press bar are powerlifting bars and Olympic bars, which usually weigh 20 kg (44 lbs) for men and 15 kg (33 lbs) for women.

4. How Long is an Olympic Barbell?

A standard Olympic barbell is typically 7.2 ft (2.2 m) long for men and 6.6 ft (2 m) long for women.