Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by grubdunkman
When you are trying to count the weight you are lifting correctly, it is an important question. Different types of weightlifting barbells don’t have the same weight. However there is one standard weight when it comes to Olympic barbells. Let’s explore how much does a barbell weigh.
Short Answer: Olympic Barbell 44 lbs (20 kg)
The typical weight of the barbell is 44 lbs which is 20 kg. While Canada officially uses the metric system, the weights in weightlifting traditionally are counted in pounds. It is the influence of the past, since Canada formally converted to metric system only in 1975, as well as the impact of the neighboring country, the USA.
44 lbs (20 kg) is the standard weight used for an Olympic weightlifting barbell at the highest level, such as World Championships and the Olympic Games. It is the most common weight of the straight barbell used for bench press, squats and deadlifts at commercial gyms and for the ones that are offered for use at home gyms.
The length of the barbell for Olympic weightlifting is 2200 millimeters (approximately 7.2 feet), the diameter is 28 millimeters. Here is a nice illustration from IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) manual.
There are many other kinds of weightlifting barbells, weight of some of them can differ. Let’s explore them and answer the question, how much does a barbell weigh?
Women’s Olympic barbell: 33 lbs
Women’s Olympic bar is shorter and lighter. It weighs 33 lbs (15 kg) and is 2.01 metres (6.6 feet) in length. The diameter of Women’s Olympic barbell is 25 millimeters. Note the women’s bar as per IWF regulations does not have knurling on the centre part.
Next thing we are going to explore the weight of shorter barbells, that are used for the same exercises when there is a need to save space.
Short Barbell, 5-6 Feet, Usually Lighter
Shorter barbells with Olympic size sleeves are usually lighter. For example 6 feet barbells made by York weigh 33 lbs (15kg), while 5 feet bars by York are 32 lbs.
Standard 1 Inch Barbell: 15-18 lbs
Another common kind of barbells that is used for lighter loads is standard sized, with 1 Inch diameter sleeves, as opposed to 2 Inch sleeves on the Olympic barbell. These barbells are usually used by beginners of for the exercises that don’t require heavy loads. They weigh about 15 to 18 lbs depending on the length. The common length for standard sized barbells is 5, 5.5, 6, 7 feet. For example 6 feet 1” Standard York Barbell weighs 16.5 lbs.
How about some specialty barbells? How much do they weigh? We have many to talk about, so let’s start.
Buffalo Barbell: 45 lbs
Buffalo barbell that is used for squat and has an advantage of reducing the pressure on the shoulders has approximately the same size as the Olympic barbell and weighs 45 lbs. This barbell can also be used for bench press and other upper body exercises. I mentioned the weight of the model that we offer at our store, however it is not standard and can be different for other models.
Arched Swiss Bar: 45 lbs, sometimes less
Also known as the football bar, the Swiss bar is the great tool that offers multi positional grip that lets you target muscles differently as well as reduce the pressure on the shoulders. The weight of this Arched Swiss bar is 45 lbs, however this straight Swiss bar weighs only 27 lbs, so as you can see there is no strict standard here.
Safety Barbell: 47.5 lbs
How about the safety barbell? Compared to the olympic barbell it has additional weight in handles and pads right? That’s correct, the safety barbell that is a great too.for squats, especially for those with limited shoulder or upper body flexibility. The safety bar that we offer at our store weighs 47.5 lbs.
Hex Bar Weighs 55 lbs
Hex bar, also knows as a trap bar is a very popular tool used for the deadlifts, lunges, shrugs, and farmer’s walks. Full size hex barbell weighs 55 lbs, however there are other models available, such as shorter hex bars or open hex bars, these models weigh less.
Let’s take a look at the specialty bars that are primarily used for arms muscles development. These bars are smaller weigh less than others.
EZ Bar Weighs 20 lbs
This bar is mostly used for biceps curls. It is loved by many athletes for its compact size and angled grip functionality. Our model of EZ bar weighs 20 lbs.
Tricep Bar: 25 lbs
Tricep bar specifically for maximum concentration of the triceps muscles. It is also compact and weighs 25 lbs.
Summary: How Much Does A Barbell Weigh?
There is a standard weight for the olympic weightlifting barbell. It is 44 lbs (20 kg) for the men’s barbell and 33 lbs (15kg) for women’s barbell. Some of the specialty barbells usually weigh approximately the same as the Olympic barbells. Specialty barbell very in sizes and weights, some of them can be heavier, such as big full size trap bars, and some are lighter, such as arms muscles development specific barbells.
