The type and brands of barbells grow each day. So, when we talk specifications, we need to pinpoint what type of barbell we are talking about. Barbells that are used for Powerlifting and Olympic Weightlifting are 220cm. Women use a 200cm barbell. Generally, if someone says an “Olympic barbell” they are referring to 220cm (7ft) bar. However there so many types of barbells. The lengths can vary widely.