Home gym setup featuring a Smith machine with various weights and an adjustable bench.
· 1

How Much Does the Average Smith Machine Bar Weigh

If you've spent any time in a gym, you've probably walked past the Smith machine more times than you can count. It's that big, sturdy rack with a bar that slides up and down on rails — great for squats, presses, and all sorts of lifts. But here's the thing: a lot of people aren't actually sure how much does the Smith machine bar weigh.

And it's not a pointless question. Knowing the bar weight helps you figure out how much you're really lifting, track your progress without guessing, and keep your form on point. The answer isn't always the same for every machine, so let's break it down and clear up the confusion.

how much does the Smith machine bar weigh - Major Fitness


What Is a Smith Machine?

If you've ever seen a barbell that moves smoothly up and down on rails, you've spotted a Smith machine. It’s basically a weightlifting setup where the bar is locked into a fixed path — usually straight up and down or at a slight angle.

Because the bar is guided, it feels a lot more stable than a free-weight barbell, which makes it especially handy for:
  • Dialing in your form – great if you’re just starting out or trying to perfect a specific lift.
  • Lowering your injury risk – the fixed track helps you stay in control.
  • Building confidence as a beginner – no need to worry about the bar tipping or wobbling.
  • Rehab-friendly training – perfect for easing back into lifting after an injury.
One thing that really makes the Smith machine different is the bar itself. It's often lighter than the standard Olympic barbell you'll find on a squat rack, which weighs 45 pounds (20.4 kg).

How Much Does a Smith Machine Bar Weigh?

The average Smith machine bar weight ranges from 15 to 25 pounds (6.8 to 11.3 kg) — depending on the machine's design and counterbalance system.

Why Does the Weight Vary?

You might notice that the Smith machine bar doesn't always feel the same from one gym to another, and there's a reason for that.

Some machines have counterweights built in, which take a bit of the load off and make the bar feel lighter than it really is.

Others, especially the heavy-duty commercial ones, skip the counterbalance entirely, so the bar can feel closer to a regular free-weight barbell.

On top of that, the materials and how the machine is put together make a difference — the type of steel, the length of the bar, even the rail system all add up to the final weight you're lifting. So really, it depends on the machine, and it's worth getting a feel for it before you start your sets.

Average Weights by Machine Type

Different types of Smith machines are designed for various purposes, and the bar weight varies based on the machine's build quality and target audience. Here's a breakdown:

Smith Machine Type

Estimated Bar Weight

Light Residential Models

15–20 lbs (6.8–9 kg)

Commercial Gym Models

20–25 lbs (9–11.3 kg)

Heavy-Duty Smith Machines

25+ lbs (11.3+ kg)

 

How to Know Your Smith Machine's Bar Weight

Before you start logging your lifts, it's important to know exactly how much the Smith machine bar weighs. Getting this right helps you track your progress properly and ensures you’re not unintentionally under- or overloading your workout. Here are a few easy ways to find out:

  • Check the Manufacturer's Info: The simplest method is to look up the specifications from the machine's manufacturer. You can usually find this online or by asking the gym staff. For instance, the B52 Smith Machine at Major Fitness has a bar that weighs 14.2 kg, which is about 31 pounds. Knowing this number makes it much easier to calculate the total weight for your lifts.

Major Fitness B52 Smith Machine Bar Weight

  • Use a Luggage Scale: If you want to be sure, you can weigh the bar yourself with a luggage or hanging scale. Just hook it onto the bar with no plates and lift it gently. The scale will give you an accurate reading in pounds or kilograms. It's a quick and reliable way to know exactly what you're lifting.

  • Ask a Trainer: When in doubt, a gym trainer can be a great resource. Most trainers are familiar with the equipment and can tell you the exact bar weight of the Smith machine you're using. This is especially handy if the machine is older or doesn’t have its specs listed anywhere.

Why Knowing the Bar Weight Is Crucial


So now you know how to figure out your Smith machine's bar weight—let's talk about why it's actually worth the trouble.

If you care about tracking your lifts, this is non-negotiable. Imagine thinking you're benching 135 lbs when the bar only weighs 15 lbs. That's a 20-lb difference right off the bat. Then one day you hop on a different Smith machine—or switch to a free barbell—and suddenly everything feels way heavier. Not fun.

Strength training exercise with a barbell on a Smith machine in a home gym.
It's also about keeping your training consistent. I've worked out at gyms where the Smith machine bar was just under 20 lbs, and others where it was closer to 45. If you don't know the difference, your workout log can get misleading fast. One week you feel like Superman, the next week you feel weak—when really, it’s just the equipment playing tricks on you.

And there's the safety angle. If you underestimate the bar, you might stack on more plates than you can handle, especially for big lifts like squats or shoulder presses. Overestimate it, and you might end up training too light without realizing it, which slows your progress.

Smith Machine vs. Olympic Barbell

When deciding between the Smith machine bar and a traditional Olympic barbell bar, understanding the differences can help you choose the right tool for your training goals. Here's a side-by-side breakdown:

Feature

Smith Machine Bar

Olympic Barbell

Average Weight

15–25 lbs (6.8–11.3 kg)

45 lbs (20.4 kg)

Stability

High (guided path)

Low (free-moving)

Best For

Beginners, safety, rehab

Advanced lifters, powerlifting

Movement Path

Fixed

Free

 

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a Smith machine bar weigh? It depends on the model, but most fall somewhere between 15 and 25 pounds. The real takeaway isn’t just the number—it's why that number matters. When you know the exact bar weight, you can log your lifts accurately, switch between machines without surprises, and train with a lot more confidence.

Next time you walk up to a Smith machine, you won't be standing there guessing. You'll know exactly what you're lifting—and that's a small detail that can make a big difference in your progress.

Thank you for reading! If you want to learn more about Smith machine bar weight, read here.

Back to blog

Best sellers

Major Fitness F35 All-In-One Home Gym Wall-Mount Folding Power Rack Major Fitness F35 All-In-One Home Gym Wall-Mount Folding Power Rack

Major Fitness F35 All-In-One Home Gym Wall-Mount Folding Power Rack

Unique foldable design 4 functional systems integration 7 adjustable folding angles Double pulley system Various practical attachments included
From $759.99
From $759.99
$949.99
Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01 Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01

Major Fitness Adjustable Bench | 1300Lbs Capacity Weight Bench PLT01

If you’re looking to pair your weight set with a bench, Major Fitness’s PLT01 weight bench is the perfect addition to any home gym. This easily adjustable bench is made with the highest quality materials and meticulous attention to design, so it’s more than well-equipped to handle your most demanding sets.
$219.99
$219.99
$259.99
Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension

Major Fitness Rack Mounted Leg Extension

If you want to take your leg workouts to the next level, Major Fitness’s leg extension rack attachment is the perfect addition to your home gym. You can easily affix this leg curl attachment to your Major Fitness power racks and Smith machines to get a powerful quad workout with leg extensions and a range of other exercises too!  Note: Exclusive for Major Fitness – Incompatible with other brands' Smith Machines & Power Racks!
$389.99
$389.99
$389.99
Major Fitness Low Bounce Bumper Plates Olympic Weight Plates Set Major Fitness Low Bounce Bumper Plates Olympic Weight Plates Set

Major Fitness Low Bounce Bumper Plates Olympic Weight Plates Set

Transform your home gym with our bumper plate set. We have designed these low bounce plates for beginner and experienced lifters alike. These olympic weight plates combine durable rubber construction with minimal bounce design. Their color-coded design and secure stainless steel inserts ensure balanced, safe lifts while protecting your equipment and floors from impact damage.
From $179.99
From $179.99
$199.99
Aluminium Pulley & Weight Stack Bundle Aluminium Pulley & Weight Stack Bundle

Aluminium Pulley & Weight Stack Bundle

Equip an all-in-one power rack or Smith machine from Major Fitness with our Aluminum Pulley & Weight Stack Bundle to make the most of it. The weight stack set allows you to make effortless adjustments within seconds, elevating your weightlifting experiences. Its aluminum pulley boasts a sleek design and smooth, quiet operation.Note: Exclusive for Major Fitness – Incompatible with other brands' Smith Machines & Power Racks!
From $639.99
From $639.99
$669.99
Major Fitness 7ft 20kg Home Gym Barbell Major Fitness 7ft 20kg Home Gym Barbell

Major Fitness 7ft 20kg Home Gym Barbell

Looking to upgrade your weightlifting routine? Try the Major Fitness barbell bar. We crafted this 7ft home gym barbell from tough alloy steel, so it stands up to everything from light training to high-intensity sessions. Whether you’re new to strength training or have years of experience, you’ll find this 7ft Olympic barbell ready and able to support your journey toward bigger and bolder lifting goals!
$259.99
$259.99
$259.99
Major Fitness Multifunctional Handle Bar Major Fitness Multifunctional Handle Bar

Major Fitness Multifunctional Handle Bar

Make your home gym workouts more efficient with our state-of-the-art multifunctional handlebar. Compatible with cable pulley systems and landmine training systems, it’s a versatile three-in-one accessory that offers various exercise possibilities. Our multifunctional pull-up bar is also a space saver, making it a must-have for those with smaller home gyms. Note: Exclusive for Major Fitness – Incompatible with other brands' Smith Machines & Power Racks!
$169.99
$169.99
$199.99
Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness

Major Fitness Rubber Flooring Gym Mats 0.31" Thickness

Slide these 100% rubber flooring mats under any weight bench, power rack, or Smith machine. They can protect your flooring and provide a much safer surface for working out. They can also enhance your home gym's appearance and make it much easier to maintain over time.
$316.99
$316.99
$316.99
Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine

Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine

5-in-1 strength training system in a single machine Supports free weight and smith machine workouts Premium cable pulley system for functional training Independent dual pulley system for multiple user workouts Heavy-Duty build for safe and steady usage
From $1,199.99
From $1,199.99
$1,499.99

Recommended

How to Start Bodybuilding Female: A Comprehensive Guide for Women - Major Fitness Blog
Yulia Wang·
How to Start Bodybuilding Female: A Comprehensive Guide for Women
Read more
How Many Bumper Plates Do You Need in a Home Gym Setup
Yulia Wang·
How Many Bumper Plates Do You Need in a Home Gym Setup
Read more
Man engaged in strength training with dips on a power rack in a home gym.
Alan Wang·
Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown vs Wide Grip Pulldown: Making the Right Choice for Your Workout
Read more

All comment(1)

How much does the barbell weigh on the drone to Smith machine. Regards Tony

Anthony Sartori

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.
SHOP
EXPLORE MAJOR
SUPPORT
MAJOR PROGRAM
800-276-8577

Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST

Address 1 (USA):

33 S WOOD AVE SUITE 600ISELIN NJ 08830, United State

Address 2 (USA):

700 WESTLAKE PKWY SW STE 760ATLANTA, GA 30336, United State

  • Amazon
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa
© 2022-2025 Major Fitness. All Rights Reserved.
© 2022-2025 Major Fitness. All Rights Reserved.