How much weight is on the bar? Singles, pairs and plate totals

A 20kg plate, a pair of 20kg plates and a 120kg equipment package describe three different things. Getting those units clear makes ordering easier and helps you record the weight on your bar correctly.

Here is a practical guide to single plates, pairs and package totals, using the current Axiom range.

Start with the weight of your bar

Do not assume every Olympic bar weighs 20kg. Check the specific model before adding your plates. For example, the Axiom Olympic Cerakote Bar weighs 20kg, while the Axiom Women’s Chrome Olympic Competition Bar weighs 15kg.

The calculation is:

Bar weight + all plates on the left + all plates on the right = bar-and-plate total.

When both sides carry the same plates, you can add up one side, double it, then add the bar. The examples here count the bar and plates; add the weight of your collars if you include weighted collars in your recorded total.

One plate is different from one pair

Axiom calibrated weight plates are sold individually. Selecting the 20kg option and ordering quantity one gives you one 20kg plate. For a matching plate on each side of the bar, order quantity two: 40kg of plates altogether.

Black Series bumper plates are listed as pairs. Selecting the 20kg option and ordering quantity one gives you two 20kg plates, totalling 40kg. The weight option identifies the weight of each plate, rather than the combined pair.

Always read the selling unit alongside the weight option. Two items in your basket might mean two individual plates or two pairs, depending on the listing.

Worked examples: count both sides

• 20kg bar + one 20kg plate each side = 60kg. The plates contribute 40kg, then the bar adds 20kg.
• 15kg bar + one 20kg plate each side = 55kg. The plates are identical, but the lighter bar changes the total.
• 20kg bar + a 20kg and a 5kg plate each side = 70kg. That is 25kg on each side, plus the bar.
• Adding one 1.25kg plate each side adds 2.5kg. A 60kg bar-and-plate total becomes 62.5kg.

These are counting examples, rather than recommendations for the weight you should lift. Keep the plates balanced between sides and use the actual markings on your equipment when checking your total.

Does the package total include a bar?

Read the contents list before comparing packages. A plate total and a bar-and-plate total are not interchangeable.

The Essential 120kg Bumper Package contains a pair each of 5kg, 10kg, 15kg and 20kg plates. Those eight plates add up to 100kg. The included 20kg bar brings the package total to 120kg.

The Performance 170kg Bumper Package adds a pair of 25kg plates to that selection. Its ten plates total 150kg; the included 20kg bar makes 170kg altogether.

Choosing a different barbell colour does not change those package totals. It changes the finish selection, while the listed bar weight stays 20kg.

Check your order in three steps

1. Check the unit: is the listing for one plate, a pair or a complete package?
2. Count the plates: write down how many of each weight your order includes.
3. Separate the bar: check whether it is included before adding it to your total.

Need help checking a basket or planning a set? Contact Axiom Strength with the bar you have and the plate sizes you want. We can help you make sense of the quantities before you order.