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Knowing the general dumbbell dimensions of the different types can help you figure out how much storage you need.
A dumbbell is basically a handle with a weight on each side.
Two of the most popular ways to apply this principle are the hex dumbbell and adjustable dumbbell categories.
These vary in terms of average dimensions.
Hex dumbbells tend to have a handle diameter of around 1.1″ (2.8 cm) for weights up to around 15 lbs.
For weights higher than that, the handle diameters are more around 1.35″ to 1.4″ (3.43 cm to 3.56 cm).
Handle lengths of hex dumbbells are generally around 5.1″ (12.95 cm). The lighter the hex dumbbell the longer the handle tends to be.
Length and height dimensions of hex dumbbells vary a lot depending on the weight.
One hex dumbbell brand mentions a total length of 9.5″ (24.13 cm) and 2.7″ (6.86 cm) height for a 5-lb hex dumbbell.
The 50-lb hex dumbbell of the same brand has a length of 14.6″ (37.1 cm) and a height of 6″ (15.24 cm).
The dimensions of the weights in between and over these examples will vary but this does give you a better idea.
Of course, individual brands and weights will vary when it comes to these dimensions.
You can also find some of the exceptions to these ranges, more specific dimensions for different weights, and when these dimensions are important to look at in the article below.
What are the dimensions of dumbbells?
As briefly mentioned, it is worth mentioning different dumbbell types since these tend to vary in terms of dimensions.
What are the dimensions of hex dumbbells?
Hex dumbbells get their name from the hexagonal shape of the weight on each end.
This prevents them from rolling away which can be useful for both storage and specific exercises.
Dimensions of hex dumbbells vary from brand to brand and weight to weight but there are some general trends.
The handle diameter of hex dumbbells tends to be around 1.1″ (2.8 cm) for the lighter weights up to around 15 lbs.
From then on, heavier hex dumbbells tend to have handles with diameters around 1.35″ to 1.4″ (3.43 cm to 3.56 cm) although there are definitely exceptions.
Next, the handle lengths of hex dumbbells are generally around 5.1″ (12.95 cm). The handles of light hex dumbbells tend to have bigger dimensions.
The length and height dimensions of hex dumbbells vary a lot depending on what the weight is.
You just don’t need the same amount of material to get to a 10-lb dumbbell as a 120-lb dumbbell.
That being said, the brand Aimyoo specifies a few dimensions for different weights.
This ranges from a total length of 9.5″ (24.13 cm) for a 5-lb hex dumbbell to 14.6″ (37.1 cm) for a 50-lbs hex dumbbell.
In terms of height, their 5-lb hex dumbbell is about 2.7″ (6.86 cm) high. Their 50-lb hex dumbbell is about 6″ (15.24 cm) high.
Below you can find a few more dimension examples of the Aimyoo hex dumbbells for different weights.
They offer more weights but this short overview gives you a better idea of what you can expect.
| Weight | Handle Length | Total Length | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs (2.27 kg) | 5″ (12.7 cm) | 9.5″ (24.13 cm) | 2.7″ (6.86 cm) |
| 10 lbs (4.54 kg) | 5″ (12.7 cm) | 10.7″ (27.18 cm) | 3.5″ (8.89 cm) |
| 20 lbs (9.07 kg) | 5″ (12.7 cm) | 12.1″ (30.73 cm) | 4.4″ (11.18 cm) |
| 30 lbs (13.61 kg) | 5″ (12.7 cm) | 13.1″ (33.27 cm) | 5.4″ (13.7 cm) |
| 40 lbs (18.14 kg) | 5″ (12.7 cm) | 13.9″ (35.31 cm) | 5.6″ (14.22 cm) |
| 50 lbs (22.68 kg) | 5″ (12.7 cm) | 14.6″ (37.08 cm) | 6″ (15.24 cm) |
For really high weights this can look more like the 120-pound hex dumbbell from CAP Barbell.
This hex dumbbell has a handle diameter of 1.6″ (4.06 cm), a handle length of 5.04″ (12.8 cm), a total length of 17.64″ (44.81 cm), and a height of 9.21″ (23.39 cm).
What are the dimensions of adjustable dumbbells?
As the name implies, adjustable dumbbells are dumbbells where you can relatively easily switch between different weights.
This can help you save a lot of space compared to getting an entire set of different dumbbells.
One downside of adjustable dumbbells when it comes to dimensions is that the brands are not the most precise about them.
You can find their length, width, and height while in the holder but to get the average dimensions of handles you would have to get all adjustable dumbbells and measure them yourself.
As an example, there is the popular Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell with a length of 16.9″ (42.92 cm), a width of 8.3″ (21.1 cm), and a height of 9″ (22.86 cm) when it is in the holder.
Generally, most adjustable dumbbells will have a length of around 16″ (40.64 cm), a width of around 7.5″ (19.1 cm), and a height in the holder of around 8″ (20.32 cm).
There are of course exceptions to this.
The POWERBLOCK Elite EXP is a more compact model that has a length of 12″ and a height and width of 6″.
On the other hand, there are also larger models like the Weider Select-A-Weight.
This model has a length of 23.6″ (59.94 cm), a width of 11.9″ (30.23 cm), and a height of 19.3″ (49 cm) when in the holder.
Needless to say, besides these, there will also be individual differences between different brands and models.
When do dumbbell dimensions matter the most?
When deciding what dumbbell to buy, the dimensions are generally not the first thing people look at.
Often things like weight, type of dumbbell, and price are the details that get the most attention.
That does not mean dumbbell dimensions and sizes are not important. For two main situations, these can be just as relevant.
The first one is storing your dumbbells.
Whether it is in dumbbell storage racks, somewhere in the corner of your home gym, or in a closet with some spare room, you want to know the dimensions of dumbbells to make sure they fit in these.
Secondly, people with big hands may need to make sure that they can actually comfortably use the dumbbells they intend to buy.
