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 special place in the world of gym equipment, with a modular design that's highly adaptable to different workouts. The broad functionality of weight plates stems from their simplicity. A flat, weighted disc that contains endless variety.

Mastering weight plates will unlock a new dimension to your fitness routine and elevate just about any workout.

The issue comes when decided on which weight plate to use. You might find yourself looking at the range of styles, sizes and shapes and feel a bit bewildered. By understanding the key differences, you'll be able to shape a workout that's truly built for you and your needs.

If you're new to the world of weightlifting, check out our guide on how to start lifting weights.

Plate Sizes

The main two types of weight plates you'll need to know right off the bat are: standard and Olympic.

Standard Weight Plates

Standard weight plates are the classic style of weight plate, designed with a 25mm centre hole to fit standard barbells only. They're a simple and affordable option for strength training for beginners, most commonly made from durable cast iron. Standard plates are ideal for controlled lifts where the weights won't be dropped, such as bench press, curls and squats.

Olympic Weight Plates

Olympic weight plates are designed to meet International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standards, with a 50mm centre hole that fits Olympic barbells exclusively. These plates feature a steel ring core encased in a rubber coating, making them much sturdier. An important feature is their ability to be dropped, which is a key distinction from standard barbells. With reduced bounce, they're safer for explosive lifts such as deadlifts and cleans. Olympic plates are the professional choice for athletes and advanced lifters who train with heavy loads and dynamic movements.

Types of Weight Plates

Bumper Plates

Bumper plates are made from dense rubber and designed to be able to handle drops from overhead lifts. The diameter of a bumper plate is completely uniform, regardless of weight, making them ideal for Olympic lifts like cleans, snatches and jerks. Their shock-absorbing design protects both the equipment and your training surface.

Steel and Iron Plates

Steel and cast-iron plates are the most traditional option with a thinner profile compared to bumper plates. They're tough, cost-effective and allow you to load more weight on the bar. These plates are best for controlled strength training exercises where you won't be dropping the weights.

Tri Grip Plates

Tri grip plates are weight plates with three large handholds built into the design. This makes them easier to handle and load onto a bar. They're also great for independent use in exercises like Russian twists or weighted lunges.

Fractional Plates

Fractional plates are smaller, lightweight plates (often 0.25kg to 2.5kg) that allow you to make gradual increases in load. This is an essential tool for progressive overload and creating a controlled weight training program.

The Perfect Plate

For Personal Use

For weight training at home, you want to create a setup that can be adapted easily to suit different purposes and goals. Simple cast-iron or tri-grip plates are popular choices because they're safe, easy to handle and can be used for a wide range of lifts and exercises.

For Powerlifting

Powerlifters will benefit most from Olympic bumper plates, which are specifically designed for this type of weight training. For competition powerlifting, look for bumper plates that are designed to IWF standards.

For Functional Fitness

Functional fitness athletes, particularly those doing CrossFit-style training, should invest in tri-grip plates. Their durability and easy handling make them essential for high intensity lifting and circuit workouts.

For Commercial Use

Commercial gyms will need a variety of plates to accommodate different members. Bumper plates for Olympic lifts, tri grip plates for general training and fractional plates for progressive loading create a comprehensive setup that caters to all users.

Our Experts are Here to Help You

If you're still not sure which option is right for you, our team are available to help you through the decision process.

You can also check out our series of blog posts on strength training and home gym equipment to read up on how you can build your best weight training program.