How Much Does a Smith Machine Bar REALLY Weigh?

At first glance, answering “How much does a Smith machine bar weigh?” seems simple—just toss out a number and call it a day.

But here’s the thing: Smith machine bars aren’t standardized, meaning the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on the machine's make, model, and mechanics, the bar can weigh anywhere from 6 to 45+ pounds.

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This guide breaks it all down:

• Smith machine bar weights at popular gyms
• Manufacturer bar weights
• What impacts bar weight
• How to measure it yourself
• FAQs to clear up confusion

Let’s get into it.

 

WHAT IS A SMITH MACHINE?

A Smith machine is a strength-training apparatus with a barbell fixed between steel rails. The bar moves vertically on a guided track and often includes safety stops and hooks to rack the bar easily. It’s a staple in gyms because it provides more control during lifts like squats, presses, and rows.

The rails reduce the need for stabilizer muscles, making Smith machines great for beginners, isolation work, or injury rehab—but the tradeoff is less engagement of core and balance muscles compared to free weights.

Why Smith Machine Bar Weights Vary

Unlike Olympic barbells (which always weigh 45 lbs or 20 kg), Smith machine bars differ based on:

1. Bar Material & Construction

Thinner steel or aluminum bars are lighter, while thicker steel bars weigh more.

2. Counterbalance Mechanisms

Some machines use a counterweight system to make the bar feel lighter—often bringing a 45-lb bar down to just 15–20 lbs of effective weight.

3. Rail Angles

Some Smith machines have a slight incline (usually 5–7 degrees), which changes the lift mechanics and can impact how heavy the bar feels during use.

Average Smith Machine Bar Weight

Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Commercial Gym Smith Machines: 15–25 lbs
• Home Gym Machines (non-counterbalanced): 30–45 lbs
• Lightest Machines (fully counterbalanced): 6–10 lbs

Let’s look at what you’ll find at major gyms and from top equipment manufacturers.

Smith Machine Bar Weights at Popular Gyms

🔹 Planet Fitness

• Most PF Smith machines are counterbalanced to around 15–20 lbs
• Some locations report heavier bars (up to 35 lbs)

🔹 LA Fitness

• Bars are typically 15–25 lbs
• Most use counterbalanced commercial-grade machines

🔹 Other Commercial Gyms

• Expect a range of 15–25 lbs at Anytime Fitness, Crunch, Gold’s Gym, etc.
• Ask a trainer or check the machine label (some have stickers listing bar weight)

Smith Machine Bar Weights by Manufacturer

🔸 Marcy Smith

• Most models: 16 lbs
• SM-4033: 36 lbs
• Diamond Elite MD-9010G: 25 lbs

🔸 Body Solid

• PSM144X/PSM1442XS: 32 lbs
• GS348Q/GS348QP4: 25 lbs
• SCB1000 (commercial): 6 lbs (fully counterbalanced)

🔸 Nautilus

• Commercial models: ~15 lbs

🔸 Matrix Fitness

• Magnum Smith Machine: 25 lbs
• G1 FW161: 44 lbs
• Varsity VY-M49: 25 lbs

🔸 Hammer Strength

• Bar starts at 20 lbs due to 7° angled path and counterbalance system
• Max load capacity: 650 lbs

🔸 Hoist

• Mi7Smith: 30 lbs
• CF 3753: 25 lbs
• CF 3754: 52 lbs

🔸 Force USA

• Home gym models: 45 lbs
• No counterbalance system—true Olympic barbell weight

To take a look at more great Smith machine options, check out the 7 Best Smith Machines for Home Gyms.

Why Knowing the Bar Weight Matters

You wouldn’t guess the weight of a barbell or dumbbell, so why guess on a Smith machine?

Knowing the Smith bar weight helps with:

• Accurate tracking of sets, reps, and total volume
• Progressive overload—critical for muscle and strength gains
• Establishing baseline loads for lifts like squats, bench, and rows

It also ensures you're lifting safely and not over- or under-estimating your capacity.

How to Measure a Smith Machine Bar Weight

Can’t find your bar weight online or on the machine itself? Try one of these easy (if a little awkward) methods:

1. Bathroom Scale Method

Option A: On Your Back

• Place the bar on your back like a squat
• Step on the scale
• Subtract your body weight = bar weight

Option B: With a Box

• Place a flat box under the bar path
• Put the scale on the box
• Lower the bar onto the scale = bar weight

2. Hanging Scale (Most Accurate)

• Use a fish/hanging scale
• Strap it to the center of the bar
• Lift the bar slightly off the safeties
• Read the total weight

3. Rope & Weight Plates

• Tie a rope to the barbell
• Loop it over the top of the Smith frame
• Add plates to the hanging end until the bar floats
• Total plate weight = bar weight

Pro tip: If you're in a public gym, give staff a heads-up so they don’t think you're rigging up a TikTok experiment.

FAQs About Smith Machine Bar Weight

Is a Smith machine bar real weight?

Yes—Smith machine bars have actual weight, but counterbalances and rail assistance reduce the perceived load. That’s why they feel lighter than Olympic barbells.

Should I count the Smith bar in my total?

Absolutely. If you’re adding 50 lbs to a 20-lb bar, your total is 70 lbs. For accurate tracking and progression, the bar weight matters.

How does a Smith bar compare to free weights?

Smith machines reduce stabilizer demand, so you might lift 5–10% more compared to dumbbells or barbells. But don’t compare apples to oranges—just track progress within your Smith machine lifts.

 

Wrapping It Up: So, How Much Does a Smith Machine Bar Weigh?

Here’s the short answer:

Smith machine bars typically weigh between 15–25 lbs at commercial gyms, but some go as low as 6 lbs or up to 45 lbs depending on the build.

If your machine wasn’t listed above, try one of the DIY methods—or just check the machine itself. Many have a label with the bar’s starting weight.

And if you're looking to add a Smith machine to your home gym setup, go with a brand that clearly states bar weight (Force USA, Marcy, Body-Solid are all solid picks).

For some great Smith machine exercises, check out the 11 Best Smith Machine Exercises.

Interested in adding a Smith machine to your home gym? Check out the 7 Best Smith Machines for Home Gyms.