Archery Draw Weight Calculator
Find the right bow draw weight from body weight, age, and experience level.
Covers compound and recurve bows with recommended ranges for hunting and target.
Draw weight is the force required to pull a bow to full draw, measured in pounds. Choosing the correct draw weight is critical for accuracy, form, and injury prevention.
A bow that is too heavy (too much draw weight):
- Causes poor form and shaking at full draw
- Leads to shoulder and back injuries over time
- Reduces accuracy because the archer struggles to hold steady
- Makes practice sessions shorter due to fatigue
A bow that is too light:
- May not have enough energy for the intended purpose (e.g., hunting)
- Can feel unsatisfying for experienced archers
Recommended starting draw weights by body weight:
| Body Weight | Recurve (beginner) | Compound (beginner) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 lbs (45 kg) | 15-20 lbs | 20-30 lbs |
| 100-130 lbs (45-59 kg) | 20-25 lbs | 25-35 lbs |
| 130-160 lbs (59-73 kg) | 25-30 lbs | 30-40 lbs |
| 160-190 lbs (73-86 kg) | 30-35 lbs | 35-50 lbs |
| Over 190 lbs (86 kg) | 35-45 lbs | 40-55 lbs |
Compound vs. Recurve: Compound bows have a “let-off” (typically 65-85%) that reduces the holding weight at full draw. A 50 lb compound with 80% let-off only requires holding 10 lbs at full draw. Recurve bows have no let-off — you hold the full draw weight the entire time.
For hunting (minimum draw weights by game):
- Small game (rabbit, squirrel): 25-35 lbs
- Medium game (deer, antelope): 40-50 lbs (many states require 40 lb minimum)
- Large game (elk, moose): 50-65 lbs
- Very large game (bear, bison): 60-70+ lbs
Age adjustments: Children and older adults should start lighter. Prioritize comfort and proper form over power.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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