How this calculator works
Total weight = bar and entered collars + 2 × the sum of plates on one side. One available pair means one plate for each side. Each denomination accepts 0–10 pairs.
The solver enumerates reachable sums under your inventory limits. It selects the fewest plates per side for a reachable total and reports the nearest achievable lower and higher totals for an inexact target. An alternative is omitted when no inventory combination exists in that direction.
Presets use practical commercial denominations. Metric: 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 kg. Imperial: 45, 35, 25, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 lb. Presets describe equipment, not a federation rulebook. Display-unit switching preserves the equipment; changing the inventory preset changes its denominations.
Reading your result
The visual represents one side; repeat it on the other. A target below the bar can only show the empty bar as the lightest alternative. Use the listed plate denominations, even if total weight is displayed in another unit.
Illustrative worked example
A 100 kg target with a 20 kg bar and one pair of each metric size uses 25 kg + 15 kg per side: 20 + 2 × (25 + 15) = 100 kg.
Supported inputs & limitations
Targets 0–1,000 kg; bar including collars 1–50 kg; up to 10 pairs of each preset size. Quantities start at one pair per size and must be checked against your equipment. Plate tolerance, sleeve capacity, equipment condition and whether you can lift a load are not modelled.
Sources & methodology
These primary sources support the method and context. They do not endorse helsi or verify this implementation.