A classic tricep bar, the short bar with two parallel handles inside a rectangular frame, usually weighs 15–25 lb (7–11 kg). Olympic versions with 2-inch sleeves are often around 20–25 lb. Bigger Swiss or multi-grip bars, which look like a ladder with several pairs of handles, usually weigh 25–45 lb (11–20 kg).
There's no official standard for any of these, so the exact weight depends on the brand. The good news: it's quick to check.
Tricep bar weights at a glance
| Bar | Typical weight | How to spot it |
|---|---|---|
| Standard tricep bar (1-inch) | 10–15 lb / 4.5–7 kg | Thin ends, takes plates with small holes |
| Olympic tricep bar (2-inch) | 20–25 lb / 9–11 kg | Thick sleeves, takes regular gym plates |
| Swiss / multi-grip bar | 25–45 lb / 11–20 kg | Long bar with several neutral-grip handles |
| Fixed-weight tricep bar | Number on the end | Plates welded on; the number is the total |
Why use a tricep bar?
The handles let you hold the bar with your palms facing each other (a neutral grip). That position is easier on the wrists and elbows for a lot of people, especially on skull crushers, close-grip presses and hammer curls. If a straight bar or even an EZ bar bothers your elbows, this is the bar to try. A Swiss bar does the same job on a bigger scale, for bench presses, overhead presses and rows.
How to find your gym's exact bar weight
- Look at the sleeves and the frame. Many manufacturers stamp the weight there.
- Search the brand and model. The product page almost always lists the weight.
- Weigh it. Stand on a scale, note your weight, then pick up the bar and subtract. Done in ten seconds.
- Ask the staff. They often know, or at least know where the box went.
Do you count the bar weight?
Yes. The bar is part of the weight you lift, so a 20 lb tricep bar with a 10 lb plate on each side is 40 lb. What matters most is that you count it the same way every time, so your progress is real. Our plate calculator lets you set any bar weight.
Best exercises with a tricep bar
- Lying tricep extensions (skull crushers), 10–15 reps.
- Close-grip floor or bench press, 6–10 reps.
- Hammer curls, 8–12 reps, for the forearms and the brachialis.
- Overhead tricep extensions, 10–15 reps, seated or standing.
Not sure how many sets? See how many sets per week. For the other bars in the gym, see how much every barbell weighs and the curl bar guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tricep bar the same as a curl bar?
No. A curl bar (EZ bar) is a single zig-zag bar. A tricep bar has two parallel handles inside a frame. They weigh about the same, though.
How much does a Swiss bar weigh?
Most weigh 25–45 lb, depending on length and brand. Some heavy-duty models are closer to 45 lb, like an Olympic bar.
Can I use a tricep bar for curls?
Yes, for hammer curls. The neutral grip trains the biceps, brachialis and forearms.
Sources
- Manufacturer specifications for standard, Olympic and multi-grip tricep bars from major equipment brands, checked October 2026. Ranges are rounded; your bar may differ.
- American College of Sports Medicine (2009). Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(3), 687–708.
