Before you start loading plates and setting up for your lifts, you first need to understand the most essential piece of gym equipment: the barbell. While many people think a bar is just a bar—usually a straight metal rod weighing 45 pounds—there’s far more variety than meets the eye.
Gyms often house multiple types of bars, each designed for a specific purpose. Using the wrong one can throw off your training or even increase your risk of injury. Whether you’re lifting at a commercial gym, a CrossFit box, or a powerlifting facility, it pays to know the difference.
How to Identify a Barbell: Start With the End Cap
The quickest way to determine what kind of barbell you’re dealing with is to inspect the end cap—the round plate on the end of each sleeve. Many bars are labeled with useful details such as the brand, model, weight, diameter, and sometimes even the intended use (e.g., “deadlift” or “Olympic”).
For instance, if a bar’s end cap reads “Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar – 20kg – 27mm,” that tells you:
- It weighs 20kg (about 44 pounds).
- The shaft is 27mm thick (slightly thinner than a standard power bar).
- It’s specifically designed for deadlifting.
Unfortunately, not all bars are labeled. Some older or budget bars may show nothing more than a rusted bolt. In such cases, you’ll have to estimate its type and weight by its length, thickness, or weigh it.
How to Weigh a Barbell
When in doubt, weigh the bar. Most gyms have a scale, either located in the locker room or near the front desk. Stand on it while holding the bar, then weigh yourself without the bar and subtract to find the difference.
Tip: Some gyms may discourage walking around with equipment, so ask a staff member for help. They may know the exact weight or help you place it on the scale safely.
Standard Olympic Bars (44–45 Pounds)
These are the most common barbells found in gyms. Whether labeled as 20kg (44 lbs) or 45 lbs, these bars are functionally interchangeable and used across most compound lifts. They’re typically seven feet long, with rotating sleeves that accommodate Olympic-sized weight plates.
Even though there’s a 1-pound difference between the 20kg and 45-pound versions, it’s negligible for most training purposes. Gym-goers will often say “135 pounds” when two 45-pound plates are added to either bar, regardless of the exact math.
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Men’s Olympic Weightlifting Bar
- Length: 7.2 feet (2.2 meters)
- Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs)
- Shaft Diameter: ~28mm
- Use: Snatch, Clean & Jerk
- Features: High whip (flexibility), smooth rotating sleeves for dynamic lifting
Olympic bars are designed to handle explosive lifts. The bar’s whip and the fast-rotating sleeves allow the lifter to pull and drop the bar safely, which is essential for Olympic lifts.
You’ll find them at CrossFit gyms, Olympic lifting gyms, and some well-equipped commercial gyms.
Powerlifting Bars
These bars look similar to Olympic bars but behave differently under heavy loads. They’re designed for the “big three” lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift.
- Weight: 44–45 pounds
- Length: 7 feet
- Shaft Diameter: ~29mm
- Features: Less whip, aggressive knurling, stiffer shaft
Power bars have minimal flex, which provides more stability during maximal lifts. You’re more likely to find these in powerlifting gyms or on the dedicated power racks in commercial gyms.
Deadlift Bars
Deadlift bars are engineered for one lift only—the deadlift. Their key characteristics:
- Length: Longer than a power bar
- Weight: Typically 45 pounds
- Shaft Diameter: ~27mm
- Features: Extra flex, aggressive knurling, easier grip
The extra whip and smaller diameter allow for better bar speed and easier pulling from the floor, especially for sumo or mixed grip lifters.
Specialized Squat Bars
While a regular power bar is often used for squats, some gyms offer dedicated squat bars.
- Weight: 50–55 pounds
- Shaft Diameter: Thicker (~32mm)
- Length: Sometimes slightly longer
- Features: Extra stiffness, center knurling for better grip on your back
These are popular in competitive powerlifting setups where bar roll and whip must be minimized during heavy squats.
Women’s Olympic Bars (33 Pounds)
Designed with female Olympic lifters in mind, these bars are lighter, shorter, and thinner for a more comfortable grip and easier handling.
- Weight: 15kg (33 lbs)
- Length: 6.6 feet
- Shaft Diameter: 25mm
- Features: High whip, smooth rotation
They are ideal for athletes with smaller hands and less body mass. You’ll typically find them in CrossFit boxes or Olympic lifting gyms. While anyone can use a women’s bar, it’s often overlooked in commercial gyms due to unfamiliarity.
Youth and Technique Bars (11–22 Pounds)
For beginners, kids, or those learning from, lightweight technique bars are invaluable.
- Weight: 5–10kg (11–22 lbs)
- Length: Varies; usually shorter than full-size bars
- Use: Practice technique with or without light plates
They mimic the shape and grip of Olympic bars but are constructed from aluminum or hollow steel. Often marked with bright colors or labeled clearly, they’re not built to hold heavy weight.
Shorty Bars and Curl Bars
If you’ve ever seen a bar that’s noticeably shorter—around four or five feet long—you’ve likely encountered a shorty bar or curl bar.
- Weight: Usually 25 pounds
- Length: 4–5 feet
- Use: Barbell curls, light shoulder work, accessory lifts
These bars are great for home gyms with limited space or crowded commercial gyms where maneuverability matters. However, they’re not ideal for compound lifts due to limited sleeve length and incompatible rack sizing.
EZ-Curl Bars (15–25 Pounds)
EZ-curl bars are the wavy, zigzag-shaped bars primarily used for arm training.
- Weight: Usually 15–25 pounds
- Length: ~4 feet
- Use: Bicep curls, tricep extensions, upright rows
- Benefits: Wrist-friendly grip positions, reduced joint strain
The angled handles offer ergonomic benefits, particularly for lifters who experience discomfort with straight bars during curls or skull crushers. They may accommodate both standard and Olympic plates depending on the design.
Trap Bars (Hex Bars)
These are hexagon- or diamond-shaped bars that allow the lifter to stand inside the bar during deadlifts or shrugs.
- Weight: Varies—commonly 45, 55, or even 65+ pounds
- Use: Trap bar deadlifts, farmer’s walks, shrugs
- Features: Neutral hand grip, reduced spinal load
Trap bars can vary widely in weight and build. Some have open-ended designs, and others come with dual-height handles. Always check the endcap or weigh it to be sure before loading.
Swiss Bars (Football or Multi-Grip Bars)
Swiss bars provide multiple neutral grip positions for upper body exercises, especially pressing movements.
- Weight: Around 35–45 pounds
- Use: Bench press, overhead press, rows
- Features: Reduces shoulder strain, multiple grip widths
They’re popular among lifters recovering from shoulder injuries or seeking variety in pressing angles. Less common in commercial gyms, but frequently seen in strength-focused facilities.
Safety Squat Bars
This bar includes a padded yoke and handles that extend forward for better grip and posture during squats.
- Weight: 60–70 pounds
- Use: Squats, good mornings, lunges
- Features: Neutral wrist position, shifts center of gravity
Safety squat bars are ideal for lifters with shoulder mobility issues or those looking to reduce upper body strain during lower body work.
Cambered Bars and Other Specialty Bars
These bars feature exaggerated bends or drops to shift the center of gravity and challenge stabilizer muscles.
Types Include:
- Cambered squat bars
- Buffalo bars (gently curved)
- Spider bars
- Log bars (strongman training)
- Axle bars (thick and grip-intensive)
These specialty bars often weigh much more than a standard barbell. For example, axle bars may be 20 pounds if hollow or up to 80 pounds if solid steel. These are typically found in strongman gyms or specialty lifting facilities.
Barbell Weight Chart Summary
| Bar Type | Weight | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Olympic Bar | 44 lbs | Olympic lifts, general lifting |
| Women’s Olympic Bar | 33 lbs | Olympic lifts for women, smaller hands |
| Power Bar | 44–45 lbs | Squat, Bench, Deadlift |
| Deadlift Bar | 45 lbs | Deadlifting |
| Squat Bar (Specialized) | 50–55 lbs | Heavy squatting |
| Technique Bar | 11–22 lbs | Beginners, practice lifts |
| Curl Bar (Straight) | ~25 lbs | Arm training |
| EZ-Curl Bar | 15–25 lbs | Biceps/triceps, wrist-friendly |
| Shorty Bar | ~25 lbs | Small spaces, light lifts |
| Trap Bar | 45–65 lbs | Deadlifts, shrugs, farmer’s carries |
| Swiss Bar | 35–45 lbs | Pressing with neutral grip |
| Safety Squat Bar | 60–70 lbs | Comfortable squats, upper body support |
| Axle/Strongman Bar | 20–80 lbs | Grip training, strongman competition |
FAQs
How much does a standard barbell weigh?
A standard Olympic barbell typically weighs 44 to 45 pounds (20kg). Both versions are widely used in commercial gyms and function similarly for most exercises.
What is the difference between a power bar and an Olympic bar?
Olympic bars are designed for dynamic lifts like the snatch and clean and jerk, with more whip and smoother sleeve rotation. Power bars are stiffer, with aggressive knurling, ideal for squats, bench press, and deadlifts.
Can beginners use women’s Olympic bars or technique bars?
Yes, both are great for beginners. Women’s Olympic bars weigh 33 pounds and are easier to grip. Technique bars are even lighter (11–22 pounds), ideal for learning proper form.
What is the purpose of an EZ-curl bar?
An EZ-curl bar allows for a more comfortable, wrist-friendly grip, reducing joint strain during biceps curls and triceps extensions.
Do all trap bars weigh the same?
No, trap bars can range from 35 to 65+ pounds, depending on the design and manufacturer. Always check the endcap or weigh it before loading plates.
Final Thoughts
Not all bars are created equal, and they definitely don’t all weigh the same. Whether you’re training for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, bodybuilding, or general fitness, knowing the type of bar you’re working with can improve your performance, safety, and results.
When in doubt, look for labels, measure the length, and weigh the bar if needed. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right tool for your training and avoid surprises on the platform.
