How to load 185 lb
A 185 lb barbell is a 45 lb plate and a 25 lb plate on each side. Many people call it "a plate and a quarter".
- Subtract the bar. 185 lb minus 45 lb is 140 lb.
- Divide by 2. Each side carries 70 lb.
- Load one 45 lb plate and one 25 lb plate on each side. Put the heaviest plate against the shoulder of the bar.
- Add a collar to each sleeve and check that both sides look the same.
It is a common bench press goal for new lifters, a common squat working weight for beginners, and a light set for experienced deadlifters.
185 lb with other bars and plate sets
Your gym may use a different bar or may not own every plate. This table shows what changes.
| Setup | Total | Each side | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 lb bar, commercial gym | 185 lb | 45 x 1, 25 x 1 | Exact |
| 45 lb bar, home set with 35 lb plates | 185 lb | 45 x 1, 25 x 1 | Exact |
| 35 lb bar, commercial gym | 185 lb | 45 x 1, 25 x 1, 5 x 1 | Exact |
| 45 lb bar with 1 lb spring collars | 187 lb | 45 x 1, 25 x 1 | Closest (2 lb over) |
Warm-up sets for 185 lb
This ramp uses a 45 lb bar and the commercial gym plate set. Each warm-up is rounded to 5 lb, then to a load those plates can make. Change the percents in the calculator above to build your own ramp.
| Set | Weight | Each side |
|---|---|---|
| Empty bar | 45 lb | Bar only |
| 40% | 75 lb | 10 + 5 |
| 60% | 110 lb | 25 + 5 + 2.5 |
| 80% | 150 lb | 45 + 5 + 2.5 |
| Work set | 185 lb | 45 + 25 |
A tip for 185 lb
Put the 45 lb plate on first, then the 25 lb plate on the outside. The heavier plate sits close to the shoulder so the weight stays near your hands.
Questions about 185 lb
How many plates do I need for 185 lb?
With a 45 lb bar you need 70 lb on each side: one 45 lb plate and one 25 lb plate. That is 4 plates on the bar.
How much is 185 lb in kg?
185 lb is 83.9 kg. If your gym uses kg plates, switch the unit in the calculator and it picks a nearby load for you.