What Weight Plates Do I Need to Start
Buy plates in pairs, and get small ones. A beginner set of two 45s plus pairs of 25, 10, 5, and 2.5 loads most early lifts and lets you add weight in small jumps. The small plates matter more than another 45, because progress lives in the 5 lb increments. Pick your goal below for a specific set.
Build your starting plate set
- 1 pair of 45 lb
- 1 pair of 25 lb
- 1 pair of 10 lb
- 1 pair of 5 lb
- 1 pair of 2.5 lb
The set to buy is the same whichever bar you use; a lighter bar just tops out a bit lower. A 1 inch standard bar takes 1 inch plates in smaller sizes, not the Olympic plates above, so see olympic vs standard first.
The three starter sets
| Set | Plates to buy (pairs) | Plate weight | Tops out at (45 lb bar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The basics | 1 pair 45, 1 pair 25, 1 pair 10, 1 pair 5, 1 pair 2.5 | 175 lb | About 220 lb |
| A standard start | 2 pairs 45, 1 pair 25, 1 pair 10, 1 pair 5, 1 pair 2.5 | 265 lb | About 310 lb |
| Serious loading | 4 pairs 45, 1 pair 25, 1 pair 10, 1 pair 5, 1 pair 2.5 | 445 lb | About 490 lb |
Every set includes the small plates, because a pair of 2.5s is what lets you add 5 lb to a lift. You can always add more 45s later. The plate calculator shows exactly what to load for any target.
Why the small plates matter most
Beginners overbuy 45s and skip the small plates, then stall because the only jump they can make is 45 lb per side. Progress is the opposite: you want the smallest jump you can add each session. A pair of 5s lets you add 10 lb to a lift, a pair of 2.5s lets you add 5, and micro plates of 1.25 or 1 lb let you creep past a sticking point. Buy the small plates first and the big ones as you get strong.
One honest note: plates are commonly a few percent off their stamped weight, which throws off the small jumps that drive your progress. That is why we weigh every plate and publish the real number in the Basalt Ledger. For the quiet, floor-friendly choice, see bumper plates vs iron plates.
Common plate-buying questions
What plates should a beginner buy first?
A pair of 45s plus pairs of 25, 10, 5, and 2.5 lb plates. The small plates let you add weight in 5 lb jumps, which is where beginner progress happens. Add more 45s as you get strong.
How many plates do I need to deadlift 225?
On a 45 lb bar, 225 is two 45 lb plates per side, so two pairs of 45s. A standard starter set with two pairs of 45s reaches 225 with room for smaller jumps below it.
Do I need bumper plates or iron plates?
Iron is cheaper per pound and more compact; bumper plates drop safely and quietly for apartments and deadlifts. Most home lifters buy a mix. Match the choice to whether you drop the bar and where you train.
Should I buy plates in pairs?
Yes. A barbell loads evenly, so plates are bought and used in pairs. A single plate is only useful for the bar itself or for dumbbell loading.
Related: the plate calculator, bumper vs iron plates, and beginner barbell weights. Honest note: the sets above are buying guidance for any brand, not only ours. We currently stock the weighed 25 lb bumper pair and are adding sizes; see what we stock and fill the rest from any reputable source.