What are Olympic Weight Plates? Difference between Standard and Olympic Weight Plates

Setting up your gym or upgrading your fitness equipment but can’t decide between Standard Weight Plates and Olympic Weight Plates? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

These two types of weight plates are important for strength training, but they come with some key differences that make each better suited for specific users and fitness levels. And the best thing is the differences are simpler than they seem. Once you understand the basics, you’ll be talking gym lingo like a pro.

In this easy guide by Trojan Fitness, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the differences and pros & cons of both of these weight plates. By the end, you’ll be ready to pick the best one for your workout needs.

So, let’s get started.

Standard vs Olympic Weight Plates | Which One is Right for You?

What Are Standard Weight Plates?

Standard weight plates are designed to fit bars with a 1-inch (25mm) diameter. They’re typically lighter and more budget-friendly, making them ideal for beginners or those with smaller workout spaces.

What Are Olympic Weight Plates?

On the other hand, Olympic weight plates are made to fit bars with a 2-inch (50mm) diameter. These plates are built to meet professional standards and are commonly used in competitions and high-intensity training.

To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a simple table of comparison between standard and Olympic weights. This will help you quickly identify the features that matter most when choosing the right weight plates for your fitness needs.

Feature	Standard Weight Plates	Olympic Weight Plates
Center Hole Size	1 inch (25mm)	2 inches (50mm)
Bar Compatibility	Fits standard bars only	Fits Olympic bars only
Material	Cast iron or cement, mostly PVC-coated	Steel core with rubber or polyurethane coating
Durability	Less durable, prone to wear and rust	Highly durable, can withstand heavy impacts
Weight Capacity	Lower than Olympic weights	Higher that standard ones
Size & Storage	Smaller, more compact, easier to store	Larger, needs more storage space
Price	Affordable	Expensive
Best For	Beginners, casual home gyms, limited budgets	Serious weightlifters, athletes, CrossFit, powerlifting

 

Now that you have a clear comparison, let’s explore the differences, discussing the key factors like size, material, and competition standards.

Size of the Centre Hole

The most noticeable difference between standard and Olympic weight plates is the size of the center hole.

• Standard Weight Plates

The center hole is 25mm, designed specifically for standard bars. These plates are incompatible with Olympic bars, as they don’t fit over the 50mm diameter.

• Olympic Weight Plates

The center hole is 50mm, meaning they can only be used with Olympic bars. Using an Olympic plate on a standard bar can be possible due to the larger hole. But it’s unsafe, as the plate won’t fit securely and could rattle or slip during use.

Competition Standards

One of the reasons for the difference in size is their intended use.

• Olympic Weight Plates

These are designed to meet the precise standards set by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). They’re used in professional competitions and come with strict size and weight regulations. Olympic weight plates are also colour-coded according to IWF rules for easy identification during competitive events.

• Standard Weight Plates

These are not designed for competitions and don’t have to meet specific standards, making them more versatile for casual home gym setups.

Material & Durability

The material and durability of the plates also vary between the two types.

• Standard Weight Plates

Mostly, made of durable cast iron or cement encased in PVC, these plates are designed for basic durability and affordability. They are ideal for light to moderate use but may not withstand heavy drops.

• Olympic Weight Plates

These plates are built with high-quality materials like steel cores encased in rubber or polyurethane. The rubber coating protects both the weights and the floor, while the steel core ensures longevity and stability. Olympic weight plates are particularly useful for exercises involving drops, like deadlifts and cleans, as they’re designed to handle repeated impact and minimize bounce.

Explore: Beginner’s Guide to Weight Training

Olympic Weights vs Standard Weights | Pros and Cons

Choosing between Olympic weights and standard weights can be a tough decision. Especially with the variety of options available. Both types of weights have their advantages and drawbacks, depending on your fitness goals, budget, and how heavy you plan to lift.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Pros and Cons of Olympic Weight Plates

Pros:

• Olympic bars can withstand impressive loads of up to 750kg. Even though they might bend slightly under extreme weight, they’ll return to their original shape.
• Olympic bars are thicker which makes them more stable and safer than standard bars, especially when loading heavier weights.
• More stable when loading plates one side at a time, reducing the risk of tipping.
• Olympic weight plates for powerlifting come in a wide range of sizes, from as light as 1.25kg to as heavy as 50kg. This makes them ideal for all levels of lifters, from beginners to professionals.
• Many Olympic weights are precision-tested, ensuring their weight accuracy is much more consistent compared to standard weight plates, which can fluctuate.
• Olympic bars are equipped with revolving ends (sleeves) that reduce torque during quick lifts. This allows the bar to spin smoothly, reducing strain on your body and the risk of injury.
• Olympic bumper plates are made from solid rubber, which makes them durable and prevents damage to both your flooring and the weights when dropped. Additionally, some plates come with rubber or urethane coatings to protect against rust, chips, and noise.
• Many Olympic plates come with built-in handles, making them safer and easier to move around.

Cons:

• Olympic weights and their bars tend to be more expensive than standard options.
• Olympic weights are larger and require more storage space. If you have a small home gym, this might be an issue.

Pros and Cons of Standard Weight Plates

Pros:

• Standard weight plates for home gym setup are more affordable than Olympic plates which makes them a great choice for beginners or those with a limited budget.
• If you're just getting started or don’t plan on lifting extremely heavy weights anytime soon, standard weights can be a good option for general fitness and lighter training.

Cons:

• Standard bars generally have a lower weight capacity. They can start to flex under loads of around 200 pounds and are more likely to bend permanently with heavier weights.
• Standard weights aren’t usually made with the same level of durability as Olympic weights. They tend to wear out faster, and the coatings can chip and rust more easily over time.
• They are more prone to tipping when weight is added unevenly, especially if you're lifting solo. This makes loading and unloading weights more difficult and potentially unsafe.

Standard or Olympic Weight Plates? Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between Olympic weights vs. standard weights depends on your fitness goals, budget, and available space.

• Go for Standard Weight Plates if:

  • You’re just starting out and prefer a cost-effective option.
  • Your gym space is small, and you need lighter, compact equipment.

• Go for Olympic Weight Plates if:

  • You’re serious about weightlifting and want high stability for heavy lifting.
  • You need equipment that can handle rigorous workouts.
  • You plan to use Olympic bumper plates for dynamic exercises like CrossFit or powerlifting.

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.  

Wondering Where to Buy Weight Plates in Perth?

When it comes to finding high-quality weight plates, Trojan Fitness is your go-to store. We offer a wide range of weight plates at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re looking for a single weight plate or a full set, we have you covered with affordable options to suit every budget.

Shop High-Quality Olympic Weight Plates and Other Premium Equipment at Trojan Fitness

Don’t let subpar equipment hold you back from achieving your fitness goals. Trojan Fitness, as Perth’s leading gym equipment supplier, offers a premium selection of Olympic weight plates and other top-tier fitness gear made to level-up your workouts.

Speak to our friendly team members today and we’ll be able to help you on your fitness journey. Click the link below to shop high-quality weight plates and build your dream gym today.

FAQs About Standard vs. Olympic Weight Plates

Q1: What is the difference between standard and Olympic weight plates?

The key difference between standard and Olympic weight plates lies in the size of the hole. Olympic plates have a 2-inch hole to fit on Olympic barbells, while standard plates have a 1-inch hole. Because of this, Olympic plates tend to be slightly larger than standard plates of the same weight.

Q2: What makes a weight plate Olympic?

Olympic weight plates are characterised by a steel ring that ensures smooth loading and unloading onto Olympic barbells. This feature adds to their durability and functionality in high-performance training environments.

Q3: What is the difference between Olympic barbells and regular barbells?

Olympic barbells are typically made from higher-quality steel, and they are longer and wider than regular barbells. The ends, or sleeves, of Olympic bars are also larger to accommodate the heavier weights they are designed to hold, making them more suitable for lifting substantial loads.

Q4: Can you use Olympic weights on a standard bar?

While you cannot directly use standard weight plates (with 1-inch holes) on an Olympic barbell, you can use an Olympic sleeve adapter to fit Olympic plates on a regular barbell, which has a smaller sleeve diameter.

Q5: What are Olympic size weight plates?

Olympic-sized weight plates are designed to fit the 50 mm (2 inches) sleeves of Olympic barbells. Whereas, standard plates have a 25 mm (1 inch) center hole, Olympic plates are made for heavier lifting and more durable use.

Q6: How much is an Olympic plate weight?

Olympic weight plates come in various sizes, including 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), 5 kg (11 lbs), 10 kg (22 lbs), 15 kg (33 lbs), 20 kg (44 lbs), and 25 kg (55 lbs). These plates are commonly used in both strength training and competitive weightlifting.

Q7: Why are Olympic plates so thin?

Olympic plates are typically thinner because they are made of dense steel, which is much heavier than materials like rubber or urethane. As a result, less material is needed to achieve the same weight, making steel plates thinner compared to rubber-coated bumper plates.

Q8: Can you drop Olympic plates?

While dropping Olympic plates occasionally is generally not a problem, regular drops can cause damage to the rubber coating or the plate itself. Repeated drops can lead to cracking, peeling, or wear on the plates over time.

Q9: What size is the Olympic weight bar?

A standard men's Olympic barbell is 220 cm long, weighs 20 kg, and has a sleeve diameter of 50 mm. The grip diameter is typically 28 mm. Women's Olympic bars are 201 cm long, weigh 15 kg, and have a thinner grip diameter of 25 mm.

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