How to load 85 lb on a barbell

Load the 45 lb bar with 2 × 10 lb per side to hit 85 lb.

85 lb loaded on a 45 lb bar, to scale. Scroll sideways on small screens.

Plate breakdown

Per side · Total: 85.0 lb (85 lb)

85 lb lands on an awkward 38.6 kg, a big reason lifters who train across kg and lb gyms end up guessing.

85 lb ≈ 38.6 kg. Training in the other unit? See the kg plate breakdown →

Can you load exactly 85 lb with standard plates?

Yes. Load 2 × 10 lb per side on a 45 lb bar.

What if my gym only has kilos?

85 lb is about 38.6 kg. Use the MixedBarbell calculator to load the nearest achievable weight with whatever plates your gym actually stocks.