No products in the cart.
Standard vs Olympic Weight Plates: What is the Difference?
strength | August 02, 2022
If you’re new to the world of weight plates and barbells, you might have heard the terms ‘Olympic’ and ‘standard’ when referring to certain equipment. These are the two main categories of weight plate, and have important technical differences that make them suitable to different users and levels of fitness. Confusion around these terms can understandably cause some hesitation in using or purchasing weight plates for the first time for fear of using the ‘wrong’ equipment. Luckily, the difference is (mostly) straight forward, and before you know it, you’ll be using all the jargon like it’s a second language.
Size
Probably the most important difference to get down from the start is sizing. Standard weight plates and Olympic weight plates will have a hole at the centre through which the barbell is fitted. Standard weight plates will have a centre hole designed to fit a 25mm standard bar, meaning that only bars with the same size will be able to fit your plates. Olympic bars, on the other hand, have a standardised 50mm diameter, meaning they can’t be used with standard plates, and vice versa for an Olympic weight plate on a standard bar. This is an important distinction, as it affects the compatibility of certain bars to weight plates. This means that it is technically possible to fit an Olympic weight plate onto a standard bar, as the Olympic plate’s hole will be larger than the diameter of the standard bar. However, this is not recommended, as the weight cannot be properly secured with the extra gap, meaning the plate is likely to rattle around and be unsafe to use.
Competition Standards
You might wonder why this difference exists in the first place. Olympic weight plates are commonly used in professional weight lifting competitions, and as such are required to be commercial grade with standardised measurements. These measurements are set by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to meet the requirements of competitive events. This is also the reason why Competition bumper plates will come in specific colours, as these are also mandated by the IWF, and are an internationally recognised colour coding system.
Material
Olympic plates have a steel ring to allow for seamless loading on and off of barbells. Competition plates will have a larger steel core than bumper plates to provide extra protection for drops. This steel core is encased in a rubber coating to protect both the weight and the floor. Competition Olympic plates are made with a high-quality PolyUrethane coating, designed to reduce bounce back and endure high intensity usage. Not only are they designed to handle being dropped, but their reduced bounce back will create a more fluid workout, as you won’t need to wait for the plates to settle for as long. If you plan on using your plates for deadlifts, cleans, jerks or anything where you may be dropping the weights at any point, you’ll want something like the Olympic bumper plate. CORTEX standard plates are made with heavy-duty cast iron designed to be rust and chip free, and ensure durability. They come in lower increments of 1.25kg and 2.5kg, and going up through the range there are 10kg weight plates, 15 kilo iron weight plates, up to 20kg weight plates. CORTEX’s EnduraShell coating encases a PVC layer around a cement filling, protecting weight plates from damage and creating a longer lasting product.
Which is right for you?
There are many factors to consider when deciding on the best weight plates for you, and it’s possible to get a great workout out of either standard or Olympic plates. However, while standard plates can be cost efficient, they can be very limiting when progressing to more advanced movements and levels. Olympic plates will really provide the best experience for beginners and experienced trainers alike, and will set you up for a smooth and comfortable progression as you gradually improve in your weightlifting. Try to assess your long-term goals and consider whether you want something that will last a lot longer and reduce limitations on your training.
Whether you’re a complete beginner to the world of weights or a seasoned pro, there’s bound to be a weight plate that suits your personal needs and fitness goals. Speak to our friendly team members today and we’ll be able to help you on your fitness journey.
For a comprehensive guide of buying weight plates for your home gym, click here.
Latest Posts
Cardio | June 22, 2026
EOFY Home Gym Upgrade Guide: Where to Invest in Treadmills, Bikes & Strength EquipmentThe end of financial year is coming up, which we believe is one of the best times to evaluate your long-term fitness...
Read more
Cardio | June 09, 2026
Low-Impact Cardio Machines for Home: Best Options for Joint-Friendly WorkoutsAre you someone who's avoided running because you're worried about your knees? Maybe you've taken a break from cardi...
Read more
gift | May 05, 2026
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 2026This year, get your Mum a gift that's functional and life-enhancing. If you've got a Mum who likes early morning jog...
Read more
Training | May 01, 2026
Lifespan Fitness Customer Transformations: Bec ChristensenFor most people, a fitness journey starts with a simple goal. For Bec Christensen, her initial drive to get her fitn...
Read more
Exercise | April 24, 2026
How to Stay Consistent with Home Workouts Over Long Weekends & HolidaysMost people will say that they lose motivation over long weekends, but that's rarely the real issue. What actually d...
Read more
Cardio | April 15, 2026
Treadmill vs Exercise Bike vs Cross Trainer: Which Is Best for Your Home?Treadmills. Exercise Bikes. Cross Trainers. These are the big 3 when it comes to home cardio equipment. While most o...
Read more
Treadmill | April 02, 2026
Scott Clark’s 24-Hour Marathon JourneyOn the morning of 15th March, a battered Scotty Clark was lowered into an ice bath, feeling the cool sting calm his ...
Read more
Training | March 10, 2026
Meet the Man Who’s Running for 24-Hours StraightThis former AFL sports trainer is taking ultra-marathons to another level with his 24-hour treadmill challenge.
Read more
Ice baths | February 20, 2026
A Cold Plunge to HealthIn 2002, British long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe won the 10,000m gold medal at the European Athletics Champions...
Read more
Cardio | February 06, 2026
Effects of Exercise on Mental HealthDid you know that regular physical exercise can actually increase the volume of parts of your brain? Namely, the par...
Read more
Cardio | January 12, 2026
Belt Slipping: Cause and CureBelt slipping is what happens when the belt moves out of sync with the treadmill motor and rollers. This can happen ...
Read more
gift | December 19, 2025
Christmas Gifts for Gym Lovers: The Ultimate Holiday Fitness Gift GuideDo you have someone in your life who's a meal-prepping, gym-obsessed, endorphin-chasing fitness junkie? Then you hav...
Read more
Cardio | December 08, 2025
12 Days of Christmas Fitness: Unwrap Your Best Self with These Holiday WorkoutsThe 12 Days of Christmas Fitness is a simple, engaging way to stay motivated during the holidays. Each day introduce...
Read more
November 06, 2025
Your Questions Answered: Our Most Common Service & Product QueriesEvery day, we hear so many interesting and unexpected questions from customers in-store, online and over the phone. ...
Read more
November 05, 2025
Kettlebells vs Dumbbells - Which is Best for You?They may look the same (and have very similar names), but dumbbells and kettlebells can create very different workou...
Read more
October 20, 2025
The Different Types of Weight Plate (and How to Tell them Apart)If you're at all serious about building a solid home fitness setup, you can't skip on weight plates. They have a spe...
Read more
Exercise | October 02, 2025
Gym Rubber Flooring: How Good Is It for Home GymsTo build the home gym of your dreams, you've got to start from the ground up. Gym flooring often gets overlooked, as...
Read more
Treadmill | September 22, 2025
Lifespan Fitness WalkingPad M2 Featured on SunriseOur WalkingPad M2 treadmill was recently featured on Sunrise, where wellness expert Lizzie Williamson showed just h...
Read more
pilates | September 12, 2025
Lifespan Fitness Contour Pilates Reformers Featured on The BlockWeek 6 of The Block saw police-officer duo Britt & Taz take a bold leap: transforming their rumpus room into a P...
Read more
pilates | September 05, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Reformer PilatesYou’ve probably heard all the buzz around Reformer Pilates. Post-COVID has seen a huge surge in interest in this near...
Read more
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Join our subscribers list to get the latest news, updates and special offers delivered directly in your inbox.
Connect with us
