arrow weight calculator

Arrow Weight Calculator — Total Grains, GPI & FOC

Arrow Weight Calculator

Compute finished arrow weight (grains & grams), GPI, FOC%, kinetic energy and momentum. Add components and optional velocity for ballistic outputs.

in
in
Conversions: 1 grain = 0.06479891 g. Ensure arrow length & balance distance use the same units. Use chrono-measured velocity for accurate KE.

Results

No calculation yet — enter values and click Calculate.

Detailed breakdown appears here after calculation.

Arrow Weight Calculator

The Arrow Weight Calculator helps you determine the total weight of your arrow based on shaft specifications, components, and custom accessories. Whether you are tuning for hunting, target shooting, or improving consistency, this tool gives you accurate weight results in grains (gr) and grams (g).

How the Calculator Works

The calculator uses your input values to compute total arrow mass. It adds the weight of the shaft, point, insert, vanes, nock, and any additional components. This ensures your arrow setup is balanced, consistent, and optimized for your shooting needs.

Required Inputs

1. Shaft GPI (Grains Per Inch)

Enter the manufacturer-rated GPI value. This determines the shaft weight per inch.

2. Shaft Length

Provide the arrow shaft length after cutting. The calculator multiplies shaft length by GPI to determine shaft weight.

3. Point Weight

Choose the field point or broadhead weight (e.g., 75 gr, 100 gr, 125 gr).

4. Insert Weight

Add the weight of your aluminum, brass, or stainless-steel insert.

5. Nock Weight

Enter the nock weight, usually between 7–12 grains.

6. Vane/Fletching Weight

Specify the total weight of all vanes combined, depending on material and size.

7. Additional Components

Include wraps, collars, lighted nocks, or any extra accessories.

Calculation Formula

Shaft Weight

Shaft Weight (gr) = GPI × Shaft Length (inches)

Total Arrow Weight

Total Weight (gr) = Shaft Weight + Point + Insert + Vanes + Nock + Extras

You also receive the converted weight in grams:
Grams (g) = Total Grains ÷ 15.432

Output Values

The calculator displays:

  • Shaft weight (gr)
  • Component weight breakdown
  • Total arrow weight (gr)
  • Total arrow weight (g)
  • Recommended arrow weight category (light, standard, heavy)

Why Arrow Weight Matters

Choosing the right arrow weight improves:

  • Accuracy — balanced arrows fly straighter
  • Penetration — heavier setups provide better energy transfer
  • Speed — lighter arrows increase FPS
  • Consistency — matching arrow sets reduces shot variation

This calculator ensures you select the optimal combination for your bow setup, style, and purpose.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use manufacturer-published GPI values for accuracy
  • Always measure cut length — not full shaft length
  • Add weight from wraps or collars if used
  • Recheck component weights if tuning for broadheads
  • Keep all arrows within ±1 grain for consistency

Use Manufacturer-Published GPI Values

Always refer to the manufacturer’s published GPI (grains per inch) values for your arrows. These provide a reliable starting point for weight calculations and prevent guesswork that can compromise consistency and flight performance.

Measure Cut Length, Not Full Shaft Length

When preparing arrows, measure the actual cut length rather than the original full shaft. Arrow weight and spine change slightly after cutting, so accurate measurement ensures proper balance and tuning for your bow setup.

Include Wraps or Collars in Weight Calculations

If you use wraps, collars, or other accessories on your arrows, add their weight to your total calculation. Even small additions can affect flight dynamics and consistency across a set of arrows.

Recheck Component Weights for Broadheads

Broadheads differ from field points in weight and aerodynamics. If tuning for broadheads, always remeasure total arrow weight after attaching them. This step ensures your arrow setup is accurate for hunting scenarios and maintains consistent performance.

Keep All Arrows Within ±1 Grain

Consistency is key in archery. Aim to keep all arrows within ±1 grain of each other in total weight. This uniformity ensures arrows fly similarly, improves grouping on target, and reduces variability caused by differences in arrow mass.

Balance Arrows for Optimal Flight

In addition to weight, check the front-of-center (FOC) balance for each arrow. Properly balanced arrows improve trajectory, penetration, and overall accuracy, making them safer and more reliable during use.

Conclusion

Following these best practices ensures that your arrows are consistently tuned, balanced, and optimized for accurate performance. Attention to weight, length, and components will result in tighter groupings, better flight stability, and a more enjoyable archery experience.

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