Draw Weight Calculator
Calculate your compound bow, recurve, or longbow's actual draw weight at your specific draw
length.
Essential for arrow spine selection and hunting regulation compliance.
Free, instant results — no sign-ups required.
💡 Tip: Use a bow scale to verify your actual draw weight. Knowing your exact draw weight is critical for choosing the correct arrow spine.
Example calculation
Let's calculate actual draw weight for a recurve bow:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bow type | Recurve bow |
| Marked draw weight | 45 lbs @ 28" |
| Your draw length | 30 inches |
| Draw length difference | +2 inches over rated length |
| Weight change per inch | ~2.5 lbs/inch for recurve |
| Your actual draw weight | 50 pounds |
Formula: 45 lbs + (2 inches × 2.5 lbs/inch) = 50 lbs actual draw weight
Understanding draw weight
What is draw weight?
Draw weight (also called bow poundage) is the amount of force (measured in pounds) required to draw a bow to full draw. For recurve and longbow archers, this is the weight you hold at your anchor point. For compound archers, draw weight refers to the peak weight during the draw cycle, not the reduced holding weight after let-off.
Looking for what draw weight to start with? See the Bow Poundage Calculator to find appropriate poundage for your age, strength, and experience.
Draw weight directly affects arrow speed, kinetic energy, and penetration. Higher draw weights shoot arrows faster and with more power, but require more strength and can be harder to shoot accurately if you're over-bowed (using too much weight for your strength level).
Why draw weight varies with draw length
Bow manufacturers rate draw weight at a standard draw length, typically 28 inches (AMO standard). When you draw a bow longer or shorter than this rated length, the actual draw weight changes because you're bending the limbs more or less than the standard position.
For recurve and longbows: Draw weight increases approximately 2-3 pounds per inch over 28", and decreases 2-3 pounds per inch under 28". A 45 lb bow at 28" becomes roughly 50 lbs at 30" draw length.
For compound bows: The relationship is less linear due to cams and let-off, but peak weight still increases with longer draw lengths, typically 1-2 pounds per inch depending on cam design.
Peak weight vs. holding weight (compound bows)
Compound bows have two important weight measurements:
- Peak weight: Maximum poundage during the draw, usually at or just before the valley (let-off point)
- Holding weight: The reduced weight you hold at full draw after let-off engages
Example: A 60 lb compound with 80% let-off reaches 60 lbs peak weight but drops to only 12 lbs holding weight. Always use peak weight for arrow spine calculations and hunting regulation compliance.
How to measure your bow's draw weight
📏 Use a bow scale
A digital or mechanical bow scale is the most accurate method. Hook it to your string at the nocking point, draw to full anchor, and read the peak weight.
📦 Alternative: Luggage scale
A digital luggage scale works well. Hook it to the string, draw back while standing on a bathroom scale, and subtract your body weight from the total to get draw weight.
🎯 Draw to your anchor point
Always measure at your actual shooting form and anchor point. Don't over-draw or under-draw - measure exactly where you shoot from.
⚡ Compound: Note peak weight
For compounds, watch the scale throughout the draw cycle. The highest number before let-off is your peak weight (the number you need for spine charts).
🛒 Shop bow scales on Amazon for accurate draw weight measurement. Knowing your exact draw weight is essential for proper arrow spine selection.
Draw weight chart by bow type
Recurve bows
| Archer Type | Recommended Draw Weight |
|---|---|
| Youth / Beginner (under 12) | 10-15 lbs |
| Teen / Small Adult Beginner | 15-25 lbs |
| Adult Beginner (Target) | 20-30 lbs |
| Intermediate (Target) | 28-38 lbs |
| Advanced Olympic / Target | 38-48 lbs |
| Hunting (Minimum Legal) | 40-45 lbs |
| Hunting (Recommended) | 45-55 lbs |
Compound bows
Compound bows are easier to draw and hold at higher weights due to let-off. Most adult compound shooters use 50-70 lb draw weights. Hunting compounds typically range from 60-70 lbs for maximum kinetic energy and penetration on large game.
Youth and beginner compound bows start as low as 15-30 lbs and can be adjusted upward as strength increases. Many modern compounds offer 10-15 lb adjustment ranges via limb bolts.
Traditional longbows
Longbows are shot without let-off or mechanical advantage, making them physically demanding. Beginners should start at 25-35 lbs. Experienced traditional archers typically shoot 45-60 lbs. Hunting with longbows requires 50-60+ lbs for ethical, humane kills on deer-sized game.
Draw weight for hunting regulations
Most states have minimum draw weight requirements for bow hunting. These vary by state and game species:
Typical minimum draw weights (check your state regulations)
| Game | Compound Minimum | Recurve/Longbow Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Small game (turkey, coyote) | 30-35 lbs | 35-40 lbs |
| Whitetail deer / Antelope | 40-45 lbs | 40-50 lbs |
| Elk / Black bear | 50 lbs | 50-55 lbs |
| Moose / Brown bear | 50-60 lbs | 55-60 lbs |
⚠️ Important: These are general guidelines. Always verify your specific state's hunting regulations before hunting. Some states measure draw weight at specific draw lengths or have different requirements for compounds vs. traditional bows.
Calculate your arrow's kinetic energy to ensure it meets minimum energy requirements for ethical hunting in your area.
Draw weight calculator FAQs
How do I measure my bow's draw weight?
Use a bow scale or luggage scale. Hook the scale to your bowstring, draw to your normal anchor point, and read the peak weight. For compound bows, note the peak weight (not holding weight). For recurves and longbows, the weight at full draw is your draw weight. Shop bow scales on Amazon.
Why is my actual draw weight different from what's marked on my bow?
Bow manufacturers mark draw weight at a standard draw length (usually 28 inches). If your draw length is different, your actual draw weight will vary. Recurve and longbow weights increase about 2-3 pounds per inch over 28 inches, or decrease 2-3 pounds per inch under 28 inches.
What's the difference between peak weight and holding weight?
Peak weight is the maximum poundage reached during the draw cycle, usually at or just before the valley. Holding weight is what you hold at full draw after let-off. A 60 lb compound with 80% let-off has 60 lb peak weight but only 12 lb holding weight. Always use peak weight for spine selection.
How much draw weight do I need for hunting?
Minimum draw weights vary by state and game. Most states require 40 lbs minimum for deer with compound bows, 40-50 lbs for recurves and longbows. Elk and larger game typically require 50-60 lbs minimum. Always check your local hunting regulations before hunting.
Can I increase my bow's draw weight?
Compound bows can usually be adjusted 10-15 pounds using the limb bolts. Recurve and longbow weights are fixed unless you change limbs. Never over-tighten limb bolts beyond manufacturer specs - this can damage the bow and void warranties. Build strength gradually to handle higher draw weights safely. Check our bow poundage calculator for safe adjustment guidance.
What draw weight should a beginner use?
Adult beginners should start with 20-30 lbs for recurve, 30-40 lbs for compound, and 25-35 lbs for traditional longbows. It's always better to start lighter than you think you need. Focus on form first, then gradually increase weight as strength and technique improve.
Does draw weight affect arrow speed?
Yes, significantly. Higher draw weight produces faster arrow speeds and more kinetic energy. Generally, each pound of draw weight adds about 1-2 feet per second of arrow velocity. Use our arrow speed calculator to estimate velocity based on your draw weight.
How do I know if my draw weight is too high?
Signs you're over-bowed: struggling to reach full draw, shaking at anchor, poor accuracy after a few arrows, sore shoulders/back, or developing bad habits like punching the trigger. If shooting feels like a workout rather than practice, reduce your draw weight. Accuracy matters more than raw power.