In the world of weightlifting, understanding weight terminology is crucial for tracking progress and ensuring safe lifting practices. One common term that often confuses beginners is “8 plates weight.” So, what exactly does “8 plates” mean in weightlifting? Typically, “plates” refer to the round weights that are added to a barbell. The standard plate in most gyms weighs 45 pounds (or approximately 20.4 kg). When lifters talk about “8 plates,” they’re referring to a barbell with 8 plates on each side, totaling a significant amount of weight. This blog post will explain the calculation of 8 plates weight, helping you understand how to determine the total load and variations in different lifting setups.
What are 8 Plates Weight and Plate Weight Basics
What is a “Plate”?
In weightlifting, the term “plate” refers to the round weights that are placed on either side of a barbell to increase the total load for exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. Plates come in various weights, and their size depends on the gym’s standard. The most common type of plate is the 45 lbs plate (approximately 20.4 kg), which is used in the United States. In many European gyms, plates are typically measured in kilograms, with the most common weight being 20 kg per plate.
When people refer to “8 plates weight,” they are usually talking about 8 plates on each side of the barbell. This means the total weight consists of 16 plates (8 on each side), making it an advanced configuration often used in powerlifting and serious strength training. Understanding how these plates contribute to the total load is essential for tracking progress and ensuring safe lifting practices.
Weight Plate Measurements and 8 Plates Weight Calculation
1 Plate Weight in Kg
When calculating weight for lifting, it’s essential to know the weight of a single plate. The standard plate in most gyms in the United States weighs 45 lbs (approximately 20.4 kg). This is the plate typically used for exercises like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses. However, the weight plate standards differ by region. In Europe, the most common weight for a plate is 20 kg. While these differences may seem small, they can have a significant impact on your total load, especially when working with multiple plates, like in the case of 8 plates weight.
Understanding the conversion between pounds and kilograms is crucial when training in different regions, as it ensures accuracy when lifting. For example, when you hear someone mention “8 plates weight,” they may be referring to 8 plates of 45 lbs in the US or 8 plates of 20 kg in Europe, depending on the equipment available at the gym.
How Much is 8 Plates on Each Side?
To calculate the total 8 plates weight on a barbell, we need to consider both sides of the bar. The barbell itself weighs 45 lbs (20.4 kg), and each plate typically weighs 45 lbs (20.4 kg) or 20 kg depending on your region.
If you’re using the US standard, where each plate weighs 45 lbs:
- Barbell weight: 45 lbs
- 8 plates on each side: 45 lbs x 8 = 360 lbs on one side
- Total weight: 45 lbs (bar) + 360 lbs (plates on both sides) = 720 lbs (326.6 kg)
In this case, the total 8 plates weight would be 720 lbs (326.6 kg). It’s essential to note that when you load your barbell with this much weight, you must use proper equipment to secure the plates.
Importance of Using Clips or Collars for Safety
When lifting heavy weights, such as 8 plates weight, using spring clips or Olympic collars is crucial for safety. These clips keep the plates firmly in place, preventing them from sliding off during a lift. If the plates are not secured properly, it could lead to injury or equipment damage. Always double-check that your plates are securely locked in before performing any lifts, especially when dealing with heavy loads like 8 plates weight.
Variations in Plate Numbers and 8 Plates Weight
2 Plates Weight
Understanding the weight of a single plate configuration is essential for anyone beginning weightlifting or adding weight to their training. A typical barbell weighs 45 lbs (20.4 kg), and adding 2 plates (45 lbs each) on both sides gives the following total:
- Barbell weight: 45 lbs
- 2 plates (one on each side): 45 lbs x 2 = 90 lbs
Thus, the total weight for 2 plates weight is:
- 45 lbs (bar) + 90 lbs (plates) = 135 lbs (61.2 kg).
This setup is commonly used for beginners or as a light warm-up for more advanced lifts. While it may seem light compared to other plate configurations, it’s an important weight setup for mastering proper form and technique.
4 Plates Weight
When moving to 4 plates weight, this is a common setup for intermediate lifters or when progressing to moderate weight in strength training. The calculation for this setup is:
- Barbell weight: 45 lbs
- 4 plates (45 lbs each): 45 lbs x 4 = 180 lbs
Total weight for 4 plates weight:
- 45 lbs (bar) + 180 lbs (plates) = 225 lbs (102 kg).
This is a standard setup for many strength exercises such as squats or bench presses for intermediate lifters who are building strength. At this point, the weight becomes more challenging and requires proper technique, especially with the risk of injury when lifting heavier loads.
5 Plates Weight
As lifters progress to more advanced levels, they might work with 5 plates weight. This configuration is often seen in strength-focused lifters or powerlifters. The calculation for 5 plates weight is as follows:
- Barbell weight: 45 lbs
- 5 plates (45 lbs each): 45 lbs x 5 = 225 lbs
Total weight for 5 plates weight:
- 45 lbs (bar) + 225 lbs (plates) = 270 lbs (122 kg).
At this point, the load is getting considerably heavier, and lifters will need to ensure that their lifting form is impeccable to prevent injury. This is often seen in intermediate-to-advanced lifters performing compound movements like deadlifts or squats.
6 Plates Weight
The 6 plates weight configuration is a common heavy lifting setup for more experienced lifters and those in strength training or powerlifting. The calculation for 6 plates weight is:
- Barbell weight: 45 lbs
- 6 plates (45 lbs each): 45 lbs x 6 = 270 lbs
Total weight for 6 plates weight:
- 45 lbs (bar) + 270 lbs (plates) = 315 lbs (143 kg).
At this level, lifters are typically training at or near their maximum capacity for strength gains. The 6 plates weight setup is often used for advanced lifters performing high-intensity training such as max effort lifts, including squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
The progression of adding plates can be gradual but significant, with each increase challenging your body in new ways. Moving from 2 plates weight to 8 plates weight represents a substantial leap in training intensity, requiring proper form, safety measures, and careful weight management. For lifters aiming to tackle 8 plates weight, having a clear understanding of plate configurations, including lighter setups like 4 plates weight or 6 plates weight, will help build the foundation necessary for success in high-intensity training.
8 Plates Weight in Dumbbell Training
What does “8 plates” mean for dumbbells?
The term 8 plates weight is typically associated with barbell training, especially in powerlifting and heavy strength training. However, when it comes to dumbbell training, the concept of “plates” does not directly apply in the same way. Dumbbells, unlike barbells, have fixed weights, and their weight is usually not adjustable in the same way. However, if you wanted to simulate 8 plates weight in dumbbell training, you would need to work with multiple dumbbells that total the equivalent of 8 plates on a barbell.
To put it in perspective, 8 plates weight on a barbell is typically 720 lbs (326.6 kg). If you were to use dumbbells for the same total weight, you would need to find a combination of dumbbells that match this total, either using a single heavy dumbbell or multiple pairs of lighter ones.
Barbell and Dumbbell Weight Setups
There are key differences between barbell and dumbbell setups that affect the way you approach weightlifting:
Stability and Balance
With a barbell, you can load both sides evenly, and the weight is centered in the middle. This makes lifting with heavy loads like 8 plates weight easier to balance. On the other hand, with dumbbells, each arm works independently, so lifting equivalent weight is more challenging because you must stabilize both weights simultaneously.
Weight Distribution
A barbell offers a more straightforward weight distribution since the load is fixed in the center. In contrast, dumbbells often have a wider range of available weights, but the total weight you’re lifting can be spread across different pairs of dumbbells, requiring more movement and control.
Training Target
Dumbbells are more effective at targeting individual muscle imbalances and improving symmetry since each arm is trained separately. With a barbell, both arms work together to move the total weight, so you often use heavier loads like 8 plates weight for more compound movements such as squats and deadlifts.
Example: 8 Plates on a Barbell vs. the Equivalent Weight in Dumbbells
To help understand the difference, let’s calculate the 8 plates weight on a barbell and compare it to what would be needed in dumbbells.
- On a barbell, 8 plates weight (45 lbs each) on both sides equals:
- 45 lbs (barbell) + 360 lbs (plates on both sides) = 720 lbs (326.6 kg).
Now, let’s say you want to replicate this 8 plates weight in dumbbell training. Assuming you use dumbbells that each weigh 50 lbs, you would need:
- 720 lbs ÷ 50 lbs per dumbbell = 14.4 dumbbells (so 14 or 15 dumbbells in total).
- You could either use 7 dumbbells on each arm (in pairs), or 14 individual dumbbells if you wanted to match the total weight.
While it’s not practical to replicate 8 plates weight exactly with dumbbells due to the vast amount of weight required, this example highlights the key difference in how the weight is managed. The higher the 8 plates weight you are lifting, the more complex it becomes to replicate using dumbbells due to their fixed nature and the balance required to lift heavy loads with individual arms.
Contextualizing 8 Plates Weight for Powerlifting and Strength Training
Why is 8 Plates Weight Significant?
The concept of 8 plates weight holds significant importance in the world of powerlifting and strength training, primarily due to its association with advanced-level lifting. For the vast majority of recreational lifters, lifting 8 plates weight is not a typical target. It is, however, commonly seen among experienced powerlifters and in competitive environments where athletes are pushing the limits of their strength. 8 plates weight is a benchmark that signifies immense power, endurance, and control.
For competitive lifters, the ability to handle 8 plates weight on exercises such as deadlifts, squats, and bench presses often indicates a high level of mastery in technique and physical conditioning. Achieving 8 plates weight on the bar is often a goal for advanced lifters aiming to compete at high levels of strength sports. In such cases, 8 plates weight is not only a testament to raw physical strength but also the result of years of consistent training, discipline, and proper technique development.
Often Seen in Advanced Lifter Training or Powerlifting Competitions
For powerlifters and strength athletes, 8 plates weight is often a mark of advanced lifting capability. In powerlifting competitions, competitors aim to lift maximal weights for a single repetition in three main lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. Reaching or surpassing 8 plates weight in any of these lifts is a monumental achievement. In competitions, athletes who can lift such heavy weights often compete in the top ranks, and 8 plates weight serves as a milestone for those aiming for elite performance levels.
However, it’s important to note that this weight is typically reserved for individuals who have years of experience, as lifting 8 plates weight requires not only physical strength but also proper lifting techniques and body mechanics. As an advanced lifter, working up to 8 plates weight is done progressively, ensuring that the muscles, joints, and nervous system can handle such extreme loads safely.
Significance in Olympic Lifts, Deadlifts, and Squats
In Olympic weightlifting, 8 plates weight is particularly significant. Olympic lifters focus on the snatch and the clean and jerk, both of which involve explosive movements requiring both strength and power. While these lifts are typically done with lighter weights compared to powerlifting, the ability to lift heavy barbells loaded with 8 plates weight still demonstrates a high level of physical readiness and technical skill.
For deadlifts, 8 plates weight is often seen as the pinnacle for seasoned lifters. The deadlift is one of the most straightforward but demanding lifts in terms of raw power. It challenges the entire posterior chain, from the hamstrings and glutes to the lower back and traps. Lifting 8 plates weight in the deadlift indicates exceptional strength, especially in the lower body and core, which are crucial for maintaining proper form during such heavy lifts.
Similarly, squats with 8 plates weight demand superior leg strength, core stability, and proper technique. The squat is one of the foundational lifts in strength training and powerlifting, requiring precise movement patterns and significant joint mobility. As with the deadlift, lifters must maintain excellent posture and balance while pushing themselves to lift massive weights like 8 plates weight.
In all these lifts, 8 plates weight is a benchmark that signifies the lifter has not only developed the strength to handle such weight but also the technical expertise to execute the lifts correctly under intense load. This is why lifting 8 plates weight is often seen as an aspirational target for serious strength athletes.
FAQs about 8 Plates Weight
When someone refers to “8 plates on both sides” in the context of weightlifting, it means that there are 8 plates loaded onto each side of the barbell. In most cases, a standard 45 lbs plate is used, which is about 20.4 kg. To calculate the total weight of 8 plates on each side, you simply need to multiply the number of plates by their weight. So, 8 plates on each side would equal 16 plates in total. The total weight would be calculated as follows: 45 lbs (barbell) + 45 lbs x 16 plates = 720 lbs or approximately 326.6 kg. Lifting 8 plates on both sides requires advanced strength and technique, typically seen in experienced lifters or competitive powerlifters. This weight is commonly used in exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, though it’s important to use proper safety precautions and lifting techniques when handling such heavy loads.
To reach a total of 225 lbs, the calculation involves the weight of both the barbell and the plates. A standard Olympic barbell weighs 45 lbs, so you subtract this from the total weight: 225 lbs – 45 lbs = 180 lbs. The next step is to divide the remaining weight by the weight of a standard plate, which is 45 lbs. Dividing 180 lbs by 45 lbs gives you 4 plates, meaning you need 4 plates in total to reach 225 lbs. This would be 2 plates on each side of the barbell, with the 45 lbs barbell added to the total. This setup is commonly used for exercises like the bench press, squat, and deadlift and is considered an intermediate weight for many lifters. It provides a challenging yet manageable load for lifters who are progressing toward heavier weights.
No, not all weight plates are 45 lbs. While 45 lbs plates (or 20.4 kg) are the standard in the U.S. for Olympic weightlifting, there are different types of plates available, and they come in various weights. In addition to 45 lbs plates, common plates include 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs, and 25 lbs in standard weight increments. There are also bumper plates, which are often used for Olympic lifting and come in weights like 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, and 25 kg, corresponding to 11 lbs, 22 lbs, 33 lbs, 44 lbs, and 55 lbs in pounds. Other variations include fractional plates, which are smaller plates used for making small adjustments in weight, and vinyl plates, which are typically used in gyms and can range from 5 lbs to 25 lbs. Therefore, while 45 lbs plates are the most common, weight plates come in various sizes and weights depending on the needs of the lifter.
If you add a 45 lbs plate and a 35 lbs plate to each side of a barbell, the total weight is calculated as follows: The barbell itself weighs 45 lbs. On one side, the weight is the sum of 1 x 45 lbs plate and 1 x 35 lbs plate, which equals 80 lbs on one side. Since you have two sides of the barbell, you multiply 80 lbs by 2, giving a total of 160 lbs for the plates. Add the weight of the barbell (45 lbs), and the total weight comes to 205 lbs. So, when you load a 45 lbs plate and a 35 lbs plate on each side, the total weight of the barbell setup is 205 lbs (approximately 93 kg). This is a moderate weight used by many intermediate lifters for exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, and it’s often part of a progressive strength training routine.
Welcome! I’m Jordan Mitchell, the dedicated editor at Leadman Fitness, where we specialize in manufacturing high-quality bumper plates, barbells, weight machines, kettlebells, and dumbbells. With a passion for fitness and a keen eye for detail, I ensure that our product information is clear, accurate, and engaging for our customers. My role involves collaborating closely with our design and production teams to highlight the innovative features and superior craftsmanship that set Leadman Fitness apart in the industry. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, I’m here to provide you with the information you need to achieve your training goals with our top-of-the-line equipment.