Warmup Sets Calculator
Use this plate calculator (barbell plate calculator) to see how many plates to put on each side and generate warmup sets for a target weight. Enter your target weight (total on the bar), choose your bar type (45 lb or 20 kg), and select the plate sizes your gym has. You'll get plates per side, final loaded weight, and a warmup sets calculator. If your target isn't loadable, we show the closest weight and use the nearest lower load for warmups. US units default with a metric toggle.
Final loaded weight (total)
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Load each side
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Load the same plates on both sides.
Enter a target weight (total on the bar), bar type, and available plates to see plates per side and warmup sets.
Methods & assumptions
This variant focuses on Warmup Sets Calculator.
This barbell plate calculator tells you what plates to put on each side of the bar to reach a target weight (total weight on the bar). It also generates warmup sets using the same bar weight and plate availability.
Results explained
- Final loaded weight (total): the weight you can actually load with your selected plates. If the exact target is not loadable, this may be slightly over or under your target.
- Nearest lower / higher: when your target is not loadable, the tool also shows the nearest lower and nearest higher weights so you can decide how to adjust your plan.
- Load each side: the plates to put on one side of the bar. Load the same plates on both sides.
- Warmup sets: a percentage-based progression based on the base weight shown in the results. Each set is rounded down to a loadable weight based on your plate selection to avoid overshooting.
How the math works
- Formula: total plate weight = target weight - bar weight.
- Per side = (target weight - bar weight) / 2.
- The tool searches plate combinations per side using only the plate sizes you selected (assumes matching pairs).
- If an exact match is not loadable, it suggests the closest achievable weight and shows the nearest lower and nearest higher options. For warmup sets, it follows this rule: If you cannot load exactly, use the nearest lower weight for warmup sets. and rounds each warmup set down to a loadable weight.
Simple
5 reps at 40, 55, 70, 85 percent.
- 5 reps @ 40%
- 5 reps @ 55%
- 5 reps @ 70%
- 5 reps @ 85%
Strength
5 reps at 40, 55, 70, 80, 90 percent.
- 5 reps @ 40%
- 5 reps @ 55%
- 5 reps @ 70%
- 5 reps @ 80%
- 5 reps @ 90%
Hypertrophy
8 reps at 40, 55, 65, 75 percent.
- 8 reps @ 40%
- 8 reps @ 55%
- 8 reps @ 65%
- 8 reps @ 75%
Estimates only. Not medical advice.
More variants
Focused on plate calculator 45 lb bar.
Focused on plate calculator 20 kg bar.
Focused on Plate Calculator (kg) + Warmup Sets.
Focused on Plate Calculator (lb) + Warmup Sets.
Focused on Plate Calculator with Limited Plates.
Focused on Plate Calculator Without 1.25/2.5 Plates.
Focused on Bumper Plate Calculator.
Focused on Warmup Sets Calculator for Heavy Singles.
Focused on Warmup Sets for 8-12 Reps.
Focused on Squat Warmup Calculator.
Focused on Bench Warmup Calculator.
Focused on Deadlift Warmup Calculator.
Questions & Answers
Clear answers, so you can use this tool with confidence.
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