What are change or fractional plates and do I need them?

Change and fractional plates (commonly 0.25 to 5 lb) let you progress in smaller increments than standard 5 lb jumps, which reviewers say helps avoid stalls on pressing movements. Calibrated fractional sets advertise tight tolerances (one popular set claims +/- 5 grams), and r/Fitness threads note they're most useful for upper-body lifts where a 10 lb total jump is too large.