Are All Barbells 45 lbs? The Truth About Bar Weights, Sizes & What You’re Really Lifting

Wondering “are all barbells 45 lbs”? Short answer: nope — and the real story is way more interesting than gym folklore. Some bars are lighter, some heavier, and our best-selling fixed barbells aren’t 45 lbs at all. Keep reading to finally understand what you’re actually lifting.

Quick Answer — Are All Barbells 45 lbs?

Short answer: No, not all barbells are 45 lbs

No — not all barbells weigh 45 lbs.

The difference between Olympic barbells, fixed barbells & specialty bars

Most people assume they do because the familiar 20kg Olympic bar is roughly 44.1 lbs, and gyms round it up to a cleaner “45.” Once you look closer, you’ll find fixed barbells, specialty bars, and women’s bars that follow completely different weight standards.

Why buying from verified sellers like Dumbbells Direct ensures accurate specs

That’s why buying from an authorized supplier like Dumbbells Direct, where specs are accurate and clearly labeled, makes lifting — and tracking progress — a whole lot easier.

Standard Barbell Weights Explained

Olympic Barbell Weight Standards

Men’s Olympic bar: 20 kg / ~44 lb
The “45 lb bar” most people talk about is actually 20 kg. The rounding just stuck over time.

Women’s Olympic bar: 15 kg / 33 lb
Lighter shaft, slimmer diameter, easier to grip — and absolutely not 45 lbs.

Training / technique bars: 5–15 kg
Perfect for beginners, youth lifters, or anyone rebuilding technique.

How heavy is an Olympic bar?

The listed weight is consistent, but tiny differences in coating, machining, or collars can shift the real number by a few grams. Nothing major, but worth knowing.

How long is an Olympic barbell?

Most Olympic bars measure around 7 feet. Shorter bars and training bars change that number — and their weight — quite a bit.

Why 45 lb became the U.S. default

Simple: it’s easier to say. And because the 20 kg bar dominated weight rooms, everyone adapted to the convenient round number.

Bench Press Bar Weight — What You’re Actually Lifting

How much does a bench press bar weigh?

Most commercial gyms use 20 kg bars for benching. Some switch to 35 lb or 40 lb options to accommodate different users.

Bench press bar vs squat bar vs deadlift bar

These bars are not identical.
A squat bar might be heavier and stiffer.
A deadlift bar tends to be longer and more flexible.
Multipurpose bars lie somewhere in the middle.

Why some gyms use lighter bars

It’s mainly for accessibility. Lighter bars make training friendlier for beginners, teens, and casual lifters.

Are Fixed Barbells 45 lbs?

Fixed straight barbells

These aren’t designed around the Olympic “45 lb” standard. Fixed bars are sold like dumbbells — each one has its own listed weight, usually from 20 lb to 115 lb.

Fixed EZ curl barbells

These follow their own weight increments as well. Great for arm work, but don’t expect them to automatically weigh 45 lbs.

Why fixed barbells don’t follow Olympic labeling

Because they’re not made for plate loading. The number stamped on the end cap is the final weight, no conversions needed.

Types of Barbells & Their Typical Weights

Olympic Barbells

• 20kg Olympic barbell – men's standard

• 15kg Olympic barbell – women’s standard

• Youth/technique bars – lighter, used for skill development

Power Bars

Heavier feel, stiff steel, and consistent weight across brands.

Specialty Bars

• Trap bars: often heavier than standard bars

• Safety squat bars: vary widely by brand

• Cambered bars: used for specialty lifts

Curl Bars

• Standard EZ curl bar: lighter and shorter

• Fixed curl barbells: preset weights for quick training

Why Barbell Weight Varies

Length differences

Shorter bars = less steel = lighter bar.
Full-length Olympic bars stick to a roughly standardized 7 ft.

Sleeve construction

Bushings vs bearings change the mechanics and sometimes the weight.

Shaft thickness & steel grade

Thicker shafts and higher tensile strength can subtly shift final weight.

Coatings

Cerakote, chrome, zinc, and stainless all bring small differences in mass.

Commercial vs home-gym ratings

Commercial bars have tighter tolerances and sturdier builds, affecting both weight and longevity.

How Much Does a Barbell Weigh? (Full Breakdown by Category)

45 lb barbell — where this standard actually applies

Mainly to the men’s 20 kg Olympic bar.
It’s labeled 45 lbs for convenience, not accuracy.

35 lb bars

Some gyms stock these intentionally for women or beginners.

15 kg / 33 lb women’s Olympic bar

A true competition standard that many lifters prefer for technique and comfort.

Technique bars

The lightest bars available — ideal for drills or building confidence.

Short bars

Compact, maneuverable, and designed for small spaces or accessory work.

How Much Does a Weight Bench Weigh?

Adjustable bench vs flat bench

Adjustable models carry extra parts, making them heavier.
Flat benches are simpler and weigh less.

How bench weight affects stability

Heavier benches reduce wobbling — especially helpful for heavy lifters.

Why bench weight matters

More stability equals safer training and more focus on the bar path.

How Much Do Barbells Cost?

New barbell pricing

Ranges dramatically based on steel quality, knurling, PSI rating, and coatings.

Used barbell pricing

Often cheaper, but always inspect for rust, bent shafts, and sleeve issues.

What affects cost

Coating, brand reputation, sleeve construction, bearing type, and steel strength all influence final price.

Best Barbells by Category

Best 45 lb barbell

Best Olympic barbell for home gyms

Best fixed barbells (20–115 lb)

Best barbell for bench press

(You can expand these sections with product recommendations anytime.)

Where to Buy Barbells with Accurate Weight Specs

Why authorized suppliers matter

You avoid mislabeled weights, warped bars, and missing warranties.
That’s exactly why lifters trust Dumbbells Direct.

Brands we carry

• Troy
  
• TAG Fitness
  
• York
  
• Body Solid
  
• Intek Strength
  
• TKO
  
• Escape Fitness
  
• VTX
  
• USA Sports by Troy

Bulk pricing & weekly promos

Bulk quotes are available, plus rotating 5% OFF weekly discount codes.

Best-selling fixed barbells

Our lineup ranges from 20 lb to 115 lb, perfect for studios and home gyms.

Final Takeaway — Are All Barbells 45 lbs?

No — and knowing the differences makes you a smarter lifter. Some bars are 20 kg, some are lighter, and fixed barbells follow their own weight system.
Always check the markings, read the specs, and buy from verified suppliers who guarantee accuracy.

For bars you can count on, explore Dumbbells Direct’s best-selling fixed barbells and Olympic options.