By Ethan BrooksUpdated November 2026
Yes, you include the bar weight in your bench press total. The barbell itself counts as part of the load you lift, so a 45-pound bar with two 45-pound plates per side means you are pressing 225 pounds, not 180. Most lifters, coaches and gym logs follow this rule, and it matters for tracking progress and planning percentages.
Why the Bar Weight Counts
When you press a loaded barbell, your arms and chest move the entire mass from your chest to lockout. The bar is not a separate piece of equipment that sits idle while the plates do the work. Standard Olympic barbells are usually specified at 45 pounds (20 kilograms) for men and 33 pounds (15 kilograms) for women, though manufacturers vary slightly. Women’s bars are often a bit lighter and thinner in the grip, which is one reason lifters should check the marked weight before loading.
Shopping for one? See our guide: Weight Bar for Bench Press: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026).
Leaving the bar out of your total can make your numbers look better than they are. It also throws off percentage-based programs. If a plan calls for 80 percent of your max and you forget the bar, you will load the wrong weight and either under-train or push harder than intended.
How to Count Your Total Correctly
Add the bar and every plate on both sides. Plates are usually labeled in pounds or kilograms, so confirm the unit before you add up. A quick method is to double the plate weight on one side and add the bar. Collars and clips are typically small, around 2.5 pounds each, and many lifters ignore them, but precise logs sometimes include them.
Keep the same method every session. Switching between counting and not counting the bar makes your history unreliable.
Practical Steps for Your Home Gym
- Weigh your bar on a bathroom or hanging scale and write the number on the shaft or in your training notes.
- Label your plates with their exact weights, especially if you mix bumper plates and iron plates.
- Log total load, not just plate weight, in your training app or notebook.
- Use the same bar every session so your numbers stay comparable.
- Recalculate any percentage-based plan using the full bar-inclusive weight.
If you are building a home setup and want to know which bar or plate combinations give you the most room to progress, see our guide to Bench Press Weight Set: How to Build a Safe, Effective Setup at Home. For bar options specifically, 7 Best Bench Press Barbell Weight Options for Home Gyms (2026) compares several choices.
What We’d Use
A standard 7-foot Olympic barbell is the most flexible choice for home bench work, since it fits most plate sizes and racks. Owners often report that a bar with a marked weight stamped on the end saves the step of weighing it yourself.
- CAP Barbell Olympic Bar, a widely sold 7-foot bar that pairs with standard 2-inch plates. View on Amazon
- Rogue Ohio Bar, a premium option with a well-known grip and bushings, if you plan to train heavily for years. View on Amazon
FAQ
Does the bar weight count if I use dumbbells instead?
No. Dumbbell totals are counted per dumbbell, and each one is its own load. Only barbell work needs the bar added.
Should I include collars in my bench press total?
Most lifters leave them out, but a few small clips can add up over time. Pick one method and stick with it for consistent logs.
How do I find the exact weight of my bar?
Check the markings on the bar first. If there are none, weigh it on a bathroom or hanging scale. For injury or training-load questions beyond logging, consult a qualified coach or physical therapist.
Related reading
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About Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our budget home gym equipment guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
