Total Arrow Weight Calculator
Calculate the total arrow weight in grains from shaft, insert, point, nock, and fletching weights.
Check front-of-center (FOC) balance.
Total Arrow Weight
Arrow weight affects trajectory, penetration, and noise. Heavier arrows penetrate better and are quieter; lighter arrows fly faster and flatter but are louder and may not penetrate as well for hunting.
Arrow weight formula: Total weight = shaft weight + point/insert weight + nock weight + fletching weight
Typical component weights (grains):
| Component | Typical Weight |
|---|---|
| Carbon shaft (per inch) | 4–12 gr/in |
| 28-inch shaft | 112–336 gr |
| Insert | 8–20 gr |
| Field/target point (100gr) | 100 gr |
| Broadhead (100gr) | 100 gr |
| Nock | 8–15 gr |
| Vane (per vane, 3 vanes) | 5–15 gr each |
| Feather (per feather) | 10–30 gr each |
Finished arrow weight guidelines:
- Speed archery / 3D: 300–350 gr (very light)
- Target / competition: 350–450 gr
- General hunting: 400–500 gr
- Big game hunting: 450–600 gr
- High-penetration hunting: 600+ gr
Front of Center (FOC): FOC = (balance point from nock - arrow length/2) / arrow length × 100%
- Target: 7–15% FOC for good flight stability
- Hunting: 10–19% FOC for maximum penetration
Higher FOC means more weight forward of center. Modern broadhead hunters often prefer 15–19% FOC for deeper penetration.