Enter the total number of plates currently on the machine (both sides combined).
Total Loaded Weight:
0 lbs
How Much Does a Smith Machine Bar Weigh?
Unlike a standard Olympic barbell which almost always weighs exactly 45 lbs (20 kg), Smith Machine bars vary significantly by manufacturer. Because the bar is attached to a track and often features a counterweight system, the "effective weight" you lift can range from 0 lbs to 45 lbs.
Common Smith Machine Bar Weights by Brand
Cybex: Often 15 lbs (7 kg) or 25 lbs (11 kg).
Matrix: Usually 20 lbs (9 kg) or 25 lbs (11 kg).
Life Fitness: Typically 20 lbs (9 kg).
Hammer Strength: Usually 20 lbs (9 kg) or 25 lbs (11 kg).
Nautilus: Often 15 lbs (7 kg).
Star Trac: Usually 20 lbs (9 kg).
How to Calculate Your Lift
To find your total weight, use the following formula:
Total Weight = Bar Starting Weight + (Sum of All Plates)
Real-World Example
Imagine you are using a Smith Machine with a 15 lb bar. You place two 45 lb plates on the left side and two 45 lb plates on the right side. Your calculation would be:
Progressive overload is the key to muscle growth and strength gains. If you switch from one gym to another, or even use a different machine within the same facility, the starting bar weight could differ by 10-20 lbs. Without calculating the true weight, you might unknowingly decrease your intensity or struggle with a weight that is heavier than expected.
function calculateSmithWeight() {
var bar = parseFloat(document.getElementById('startingBar').value) || 0;
var unit = document.getElementById('weightUnit').value;
var p45_count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('p45').value) || 0;
var p35_count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('p35').value) || 0;
var p25_count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('p25').value) || 0;
var p10_count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('p10').value) || 0;
var p5_count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('p5').value) || 0;
var p2_5_count = parseFloat(document.getElementById('p2_5').value) || 0;
var plateWeight = 0;
if (unit === 'lbs') {
plateWeight += p45_count * 45;
plateWeight += p35_count * 35;
plateWeight += p25_count * 25;
plateWeight += p10_count * 10;
plateWeight += p5_count * 5;
plateWeight += p2_5_count * 2.5;
} else {
plateWeight += p45_count * 20;
plateWeight += p35_count * 15;
plateWeight += p25_count * 10;
plateWeight += p10_count * 5;
plateWeight += p5_count * 2.5;
plateWeight += p2_5_count * 1.25;
}
var total = bar + plateWeight;
document.getElementById('resultArea').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('totalWeightValue').innerHTML = total.toFixed(1) + ' ' + unit;
document.getElementById('weightBreakdown').innerHTML = 'Bar: ' + bar + unit + ' + Plates: ' + plateWeight + unit;
}