Arrow Weight Calculator
Calculate total arrow weight from individual component weights
How to Use
- Enter your arrow shaft weight in grains
- Enter your point (tip) weight in grains
- Optionally add nock weight in grains
- Optionally add fletching weight in grains
- Optionally add insert weight in grains
- Click calculate to see total arrow weight and component breakdown
Understanding Arrow Weight
Arrow weight is measured in grains (1 grain = 0.0648 grams) and is the sum of all arrow components. Total arrow weight significantly affects arrow performance, including speed, trajectory, kinetic energy, and penetration.
A complete arrow consists of several components: the shaft (the main body), point or broadhead (the tip), nock (rear piece that clips onto the bowstring), fletching or vanes (for stabilization), and often an insert (metal piece inside the shaft that holds the point).
Arrow Weight Categories
Arrows are often categorized by their weight relative to the bow's draw weight:
- Light arrows: 5-6.5 grains per pound of draw weight - Fastest, flattest trajectory, best for target archery
- Medium arrows: 6.5-8.5 grains per pound - Good balance of speed and energy, versatile for various uses
- Standard arrows: 8.5-10.5 grains per pound - Recommended for most hunting applications
- Heavy arrows: 10.5+ grains per pound - Maximum penetration and quieter, ideal for big game hunting
Typical Component Weights
Understanding typical component weights helps you build arrows to your specifications:
- Carbon arrow shafts: 250-450 grains depending on spine and length
- Aluminum arrow shafts: 300-500 grains
- Field points: 75-150 grains (most common: 100-125 grains)
- Broadheads: 75-150 grains (most common: 100 grains)
- Nocks: 8-20 grains
- Vanes/fletching (set of 3-4): 15-30 grains
- Inserts: 10-75 grains (standard to heavyweight)
How Arrow Weight Affects Performance
Arrow weight has several important effects on performance:
- Speed: Lighter arrows fly faster, heavier arrows fly slower
- Trajectory: Lighter arrows have flatter trajectories, making range estimation less critical
- Kinetic Energy: Heavier arrows retain more energy downrange despite lower initial speed
- Penetration: Heavier arrows penetrate deeper, crucial for hunting
- Noise: Heavier arrows are quieter when shot
- Forgiveness: Heavier arrows are more forgiving of form errors
- Wind drift: Heavier arrows are less affected by wind
Choosing the Right Arrow Weight
Select arrow weight based on your intended use:
- Target archery: Lighter arrows (5-7 grains per pound) for flat trajectory and high scores
- 3D archery: Medium weight (6-8 grains per pound) for balance of speed and forgiveness
- Whitetail deer hunting: Standard weight (8-10 grains per pound) for adequate penetration
- Large game hunting: Heavy arrows (10+ grains per pound) for maximum penetration
- Bow hunting regulations: Check your local regulations for minimum arrow weight requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ideal arrow weight for my bow?
- The ideal arrow weight depends on your bow's draw weight and intended use. For hunting, aim for 8-10 grains per pound of draw weight. For target shooting, 5-7 grains per pound is common. Always follow your bow manufacturer's recommendations for minimum arrow weight.
- How does arrow weight affect arrow speed?
- Heavier arrows fly slower than lighter arrows when shot from the same bow. For every 5 grains of added weight, you typically lose 1-2 feet per second of arrow speed. However, heavier arrows retain more kinetic energy downrange.
- Should I use heavy or light arrows for hunting?
- For hunting, heavier arrows (8-10+ grains per pound of draw weight) are generally recommended. They provide better penetration, are more forgiving, fly quieter, and are less affected by wind. Light arrows are better suited for target archery.
- Can I mix different weight components?
- Yes, you can mix components of different weights to achieve your desired total arrow weight. Many archers adjust point weight or use different inserts to fine-tune their arrow weight. Just ensure all arrows in your set have the same total weight for consistency.