If you’re building a home gym and tight on space, you’ve probably considered a short barbell. But before you start slinging iron, there’s one important detail you need to know: how much does a short barbell weigh?
Spoiler alert: it depends. While the standard Olympic barbell has a well-established weight of 20kg (44 lbs), short barbells come in a variety of sizes and weights, and it’s not always apples to apples.
Let’s dive into the weight ranges of short barbells, how they compare to standard bars, and what you can expect from the Bells of Steel lineup.
What Is a Short Barbell?
Short barbell vs. long barbell
A short barbell is exactly what it sounds like: a bar that’s shorter than the traditional 86.6” Olympic bar. Short bars typically range from 69 to 72 inches in total length and are built to save space in home gyms, garages, and basements where a full-size bar might feel like a battering ram in a broom closet.
A standard Olympic barbell is about 7.2 feet long (86.6 inches), weighs 20kg (44 lbs), and has long, 16-inch sleeves that allow for heavy loading. These are the bars you’ll find in most commercial gyms and are ideal for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and general strength training.
Short bars, on the other hand, shrink that footprint by cutting down on sleeve length, shaft length—or both.
How Much Do Short Barbells Weigh?
Common weight ranges for short barbells
Unlike standard Olympic bars, there is no universal weight for short barbells. They’re not standardized, which means brands and models can vary. On average, you’ll find short bars weighing:
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Between 10kg and 20kg
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Lighter bars often feature shorter shafts and sleeves
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Heavier, more “standard-feeling” short bars tend to preserve the full shaft length
A short bar with a full-size 28–29mm shaft and reduced sleeves can weigh close to a regular Olympic bar, while a compact, non-rackable short barbell may be lighter for easy handling and accessory lifts.
Bells of Steel Short Barbell Options
How much do Bells of Steel short barbells weigh?
Bells of Steel offers two main short barbell options, each with its own design and weight specs:
1. Bells of Steel Short Utility Barbell
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Total Length: 69”
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Shaft Length: 43” (Shorter than standard)
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Sleeve Length: 12”
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Weight: 15kg (33 lbs)
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Not rackable: This bar is built for ultra-compact training spaces. It’s great for landmine work, curls, rows, and lighter lifts, but it’s not wide enough to fit in a standard rack.
2. Bells of Steel Short Rackable Barbell
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Total Length: 69”
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Shaft Length: 51.6” (standard)
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Sleeve Length: 7.9”
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Weight: 13kg (29 lbs)
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Rackable: This bar gives you the best of both worlds: rack compatibility and a smaller footprint. It feels just like a standard bar in the hands but still fits inside tight spaces like garage gyms or home setups with limited room.
Pros and Cons of Short Barbells
Should you choose a short barbell?
Pros:
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Ideal for compact home gyms
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Easier to store and move
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Great for beginners or lighter accessory work
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Rackable options feel like a full bar with less space needed
Cons:
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Reduced sleeve length limits how much weight you can load
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Non-rackable versions can’t be used for squats or bench
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Not ideal for max effort lifting or competition prep
Final Thoughts
So, how much do short barbells weigh? Anywhere from 10kg to 20kg, depending on the design. The key is knowing your needs.
If you want a compact bar that still works in a rack and handles your heavy lifts, the Short Rackable Barbell is the goldilocks choice. If you’re looking for a lighter, non-rackable bar for curls, rows, deadlifts, or landmine work, the Short Utility Barbell delivers big utility in a small package.
When it comes to outfitting your home gym, space matters, but so does functionality. Short barbells offer both, without skimping on strength.
