Barbell Outside Diameter: Metric vs Standard

[MiyamotoMusashi]

Is there a difference between the OD of a metric barbell and a standard?
I live in Japan (metric) and plan to buy microplates from Amazon's US site.
Thanks.

[Adam Skillin]

No, some bars are 20kg and some are 45lbs, but the size of the sleeves and the holes in the plates doesn't vary.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Very few bars are 45.0 pounds, since the international standard is 20.0 kg. All bars are manufactured to accommodate all plates, since the manufacturer cannot control the plates the end user has. The sleeve diameter should always be no bigger than 50.0mm, some bars are slightly smaller.

[scwot]

This is not my experience. I've seen "standard" barbell plates with a 1 inch hole.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Those are called "exercise plates" in the industry. Not our concern.

[MiyamotoMusashi]

Thanks for the replies.

[MiyamotoMusashi]

My assumption was that I'd need two microplates (exercise plates) to make 5 pound jumps during novice phase(?)
Me: 52 y/o male, 151 pounds, 5'6", detrained

[Mark Rippetoe]

2.5 pound plates are part of the normal set, not considered "micro" which refers to lighter stuff down to 0.25.

[Fulcrum]

My assumption was that I'd need two microplates (exercise plates) to make 5 pound jumps during novice phase(?)
Me: 52 y/o male, 151 pounds, 5'6", detrained

yeah, what Coach Rip said.

Although, with your age/height/weight demographic...you might need true micro plates (1 lb perhaps) for your overhead press (and bench, maybe).

Also, do you lift at a commercial/public gym? or do you have your own weight set?

[MiyamotoMusashi]

After reading Starting Strength, I spent couple of weeks looking for a good gym. Finally found a powerlifting gym here in Tokyo.