Arrow Speed Calculator
Calculate your arrow velocity in feet per second (FPS).
Essential for trajectory planning and kinetic energy calculations.
Works for compound, recurve, and traditional bows.
💡 Tip: Measure actual arrow speed with a chronograph for most accurate results. This calculator provides estimates.
Example calculation
Let's calculate arrow speed for a typical hunting setup:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bow type | Compound |
| IBO speed rating | 335 FPS |
| Draw weight | 60 lbs (vs. 70 lbs IBO) |
| Draw length | 28.5" (vs. 30" IBO) |
| Arrow weight | 450 grains (vs. 350 grains IBO) |
| Estimated arrow speed | ~268 FPS |
Speed adjustments from IBO: -10 lbs draw weight (-20 FPS), -1.5" draw length (-15 FPS), +100 grains arrow weight (-20 FPS) = approximately 280 FPS actual.
Understanding arrow speed
What determines arrow speed?
Arrow speed (velocity) is determined by how much energy your bow stores and transfers to the arrow. Three main factors affect arrow speed:
- Draw weight: Higher draw weight stores more energy. Each pound of draw weight typically adds 1-2 FPS of arrow speed.
- Arrow weight: Heavier arrows are slower. For every 5 grains added, you lose approximately 1-2 FPS depending on bow efficiency.
- Draw length: Longer draw lengths store more energy. Each inch of draw length typically changes speed by 10 FPS from the 30" standard.
IBO speed rating explained
IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) speed is the industry standard for rating compound bow performance. It's measured under these specific conditions:
- 70 lbs draw weight
- 30 inch draw length
- 350 grain arrow
- No accessories (no sight, stabilizer, or quiver)
Most modern compound bows have IBO ratings between 320-350 FPS. High-performance speed bows can exceed 350 FPS. Your actual arrow speed will be different based on your specific setup - typically 50-80 FPS slower than the IBO rating once you account for your draw weight, draw length, arrow weight, and accessories.
Speed vs. kinetic energy vs. momentum
Arrow speed is just one piece of the puzzle. For hunting, what matters most is:
- Speed (FPS): Affects trajectory (flatter = easier to aim), wind drift, and energy delivery
- Kinetic energy (ft-lbs): Total energy available for penetration. Calculated from speed AND arrow weight
- Momentum (slug-ft/s): Ability to maintain forward motion through resistance. Heavier arrows have more momentum
A 450-grain arrow at 270 FPS often penetrates better than a 350-grain arrow at 310 FPS because the heavier arrow has more momentum and energy, even though it's slower. Use our kinetic energy calculator to compare setups.
Typical arrow speeds by bow type
Compound bows
| Setup | Typical Speed Range |
|---|---|
| Speed bow, light arrow (350gr) | 320-350 FPS |
| Modern hunting bow, medium arrow (400-450gr) | 270-310 FPS |
| Heavy hunting arrow (500-600gr) | 250-280 FPS |
| Extreme heavy arrow for dangerous game (650+gr) | 230-260 FPS |
Modern compound bows are far faster than recurves due to cam systems, let-off, and mechanical advantage. Most bowhunters shoot arrows in the 270-300 FPS range with 60-70 lb draw weight.
Recurve bows (Olympic and barebow)
| Setup | Typical Speed Range |
|---|---|
| Olympic recurve, light arrow (~350gr, 40-45 lbs) | 180-200 FPS |
| Hunting recurve, medium arrow (~450gr, 45-55 lbs) | 170-190 FPS |
| Heavy hunting arrow (~550gr, 50-60 lbs) | 160-180 FPS |
Recurve bows are significantly slower than compounds but still effective for hunting at close range (under 30 yards). Many traditional bowhunters prefer the challenge and simplicity of recurves.
Traditional longbows
Longbows are the slowest bow type, typically shooting 140-170 FPS with hunting-weight arrows (450-550 grains) at 45-60 lbs draw weight. Despite slower speeds, experienced traditional archers successfully hunt deer and larger game by getting close (15-25 yards) and using heavy arrows with sharp broadheads.
Speed isn't the goal with traditional equipment - accuracy, stealth, and shot placement matter far more. Many longbow hunters use arrows in the 500-650 grain range for maximum penetration at close range.
How to increase arrow speed
⚖️ Use lighter arrows
+15-30 FPS: Switching from 450 to 350 grain arrows adds 20-30 FPS. Trade-off: less kinetic energy and momentum. Not recommended for hunting large game.
💪 Increase draw weight
+10-20 FPS: Adding 5-10 lbs of draw weight increases speed by 10-20 FPS. Ensure you can still shoot accurately and comfortably at the higher weight.
📏 Increase draw length
+10 FPS per inch: Longer draw length stores more energy. Only practical if your current draw length is too short for your body proportions.
🎯 Upgrade your bow
+20-40 FPS: Modern high-performance bows are significantly faster than older models. New cams, limbs, and materials improve efficiency dramatically.
Speed vs. accuracy trade-offs
Chasing maximum arrow speed often hurts accuracy and hunting effectiveness:
- Light arrows are noisier: They tend to make bows louder, alerting game before the arrow arrives
- Less forgiving: Light, fast arrows are more affected by form mistakes and bow torque
- Wind sensitive: Light arrows drift more in crosswinds
- Penetration suffers: Despite higher kinetic energy, light arrows often penetrate less due to low momentum
Most experienced bowhunters optimize for a balance: enough speed for flat trajectory out to 40-50 yards, with enough arrow weight for reliable penetration. This typically means 270-290 FPS with 420-480 grain arrows for deer, or 260-280 FPS with 500-550 grain arrows for elk.
Arrow speed and trajectory
Why speed affects accuracy
Faster arrows have flatter trajectories, making range estimation less critical. Here's how arrow drop differs at various speeds (assuming level shot):
| Distance | 300 FPS Drop | 270 FPS Drop | 220 FPS Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 yards | -3.2" | -4.0" | -6.2" |
| 30 yards | -7.8" | -9.8" | -15.2" |
| 40 yards | -14.5" | -18.2" | -28.5" |
| 50 yards | -23.8" | -30.0" | -47.0" |
These are approximations. Actual drop varies with arrow weight, FOC, and environmental conditions.
Speed recommendations by hunting scenario
- Treestand whitetail (10-25 yards): 250-270 FPS sufficient. Prioritize heavy arrows and silence.
- Western spot-and-stalk (30-60 yards): 270-300 FPS ideal for flatter trajectory.
- Elk in timber (20-40 yards): 260-280 FPS with heavy arrows (500-550gr) for penetration.
- 3D competition: 280-310 FPS for fast target acquisition and minimal wind drift.
Arrow speed calculator FAQs
How do I calculate arrow speed?
Arrow speed depends on three main factors: draw weight (higher weight = faster), arrow weight (heavier arrows = slower), and draw length (longer draw = faster). The IBO speed rating is measured with a 350 grain arrow at 70 lbs draw weight and 30 inch draw length. Use this calculator to estimate your specific setup's speed based on your actual specifications.
What is a good arrow speed for hunting?
For hunting deer, aim for 250-300 FPS minimum. Elk and larger game benefit from 270-320 FPS. Speed isn't everything - total arrow weight and kinetic energy matter more for penetration. A 450-grain arrow at 270 FPS often penetrates better than a 350-grain arrow at 310 FPS. Calculate your setup's kinetic energy for accurate penetration estimates.
How much does arrow weight affect speed?
For every 5 grains of arrow weight added, you lose approximately 1-2 FPS of speed. Adding 100 grains (e.g., 350 to 450 grain arrow) typically reduces speed by 15-25 FPS depending on bow efficiency. Heavier arrows sacrifice speed but gain momentum and penetration on large game.
What is IBO speed rating?
IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) speed is the industry standard for rating bow performance. It's measured with a 350 grain arrow, 70 lbs draw weight, and 30 inch draw length. Your actual speed will differ based on your specific setup - typically 50-80 FPS slower than the IBO rating once you account for lower draw weight, shorter draw length, heavier arrows, and accessories.
Does draw length affect arrow speed?
Yes. Longer draw lengths produce faster arrow speeds because the bow stores more energy. Generally, you gain or lose 10 FPS per inch of draw length from the 30 inch standard. A 28 inch draw length is approximately 20 FPS slower than 30 inch, all else equal. Use our draw length calculator to find your correct draw length.
How do I measure my actual arrow speed?
Use an archery chronograph (speed radar). Shoot 3-5 arrows through the chronograph and average the results. Most chronographs cost $100-200 and provide accurate speed measurements within 1-2 FPS. Shop chronographs on Amazon for precise speed testing.
Is faster always better for hunting?
No. While faster arrows have flatter trajectory, they're often lighter and have less momentum for penetration. For deer-sized game, 270-290 FPS with a 420-480 grain arrow is ideal. For elk, 260-280 FPS with 500-550 grains penetrates reliably. Don't sacrifice arrow weight for speed on large game.
Why is my bow slower than the IBO rating?
IBO ratings use 70 lbs draw weight, 30" draw length, 350 grain arrows, and no accessories. Your actual setup likely differs in all these areas. Lower draw weight (-2 FPS per pound under 70), shorter draw length (-10 FPS per inch under 30"), heavier arrows (-2 FPS per 5 grains over 350), and accessories (sight, stabilizer, quiver) all reduce speed from the IBO rating.