Estimate arrow velocity using simplified IBO adjustment factors. This is an approximation; actual speed depends on bow condition, shooter form, and draw curve.
Bow manufacturer's rated speed (typical: 300-370)
Bow pull weight at full draw
Distance from grip to your anchor (typically 27-31")
Shaft + head + fletching + nock weight
Estimated Arrow Speed
313.3
feet per second (fps)
Kinetic Energy
87.22
foot-pounds (ft-lbs)
Momentum
17.90
pounds·seconds (lb·s)
| Game Type | Min KE (ft-lbs) | Example Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game (rabbits, squirrels) | 15-20 | 30 lb bow @ 280 fps |
| Medium Game (deer, antelope) | 40-50 | 60 lb bow @ 300 fps, 400 gr arrow |
| Large Game (elk, moose) | 60-70+ | 70 lb bow @ 320 fps, 450 gr arrow |
| Dangerous Game (bear, lions) | 80+ | 80+ lb bow @ 330+ fps, 500+ gr arrow |
| Target/Competition | N/A | Focus on speed & accuracy, not power |
Note: These are minimum recommendations for quick, ethical kills. Always follow local regulations and consider shot placement and arrow broadhead quality. Higher KE is better, but accuracy is paramount.
Arrow speed, measured in feet per second (fps), is the velocity at which an arrow travels immediately after leaving the bowstring. It is one of the most important performance metrics in archery, affecting accuracy, range, and kinetic energy delivery. Faster arrows experience less drop over distance and are less affected by wind.
The IBO (Bow Industry Organization) speed rating is a standardized measurement used by bow manufacturers. It represents the speed of an arrow shot from a bow under specific conditions: 70 pounds draw weight, 30 inches draw length, and a 350-grain arrow. Actual arrow speed varies based on your personal setup, bow condition, and arrow specifications.
Understanding arrow speed is useful for hunters and competitive archers. Faster speeds mean flatter trajectories, while heavier arrows can provide more kinetic energy. This estimator gives a rough setup comparison; a chronograph is required to measure actual arrow speed.
Arrow speed is estimated by adjusting the IBO rating for your specific setup. These are approximations:
Note: These adjustment factors are linear approximations. Actual bow dynamics are nonlinear. Factors like limb deflection curve, cam efficiency, and string stretch create variations of ±5-15 fps from these estimates.
Common IBO ratings by bow type:
Estimate arrow speed for a compound bow with: 360 fps IBO rating, 68 lb draw weight, 28" draw length, and 420 grain arrow:
Calculate draw length adjustment:
Calculate standard arrow weight:
Calculate weight adjustment:
Calculate final speed:
Your arrow speed is approximately 313 fps. This is about 13% slower than the rated IBO speed because of the 2" shorter draw length and heavier arrow weight.
Faster arrows have flatter trajectories, less wind drift, and better penetration. For hunting, speed determines kinetic energy delivery to game. For target shooting, speed affects point-of-aim distance and accuracy.
IBO (Bow Industry Organization) speed is a standardized rating: 70 lbs draw weight, 30" draw length, 350-grain arrow. It's useful for comparing bows, but your actual speed depends on your personal setup.
This uses simplified linear adjustment factors and can differ meaningfully from your real setup. Bow design, strings, accessories, temperature, and shooting form all matter. Use a chronograph for an actual measurement.
Heavier arrows (higher kinetic energy) are better for hunting as they penetrate better. Lighter arrows are faster and have flatter trajectories, better for 3D/target shooting. Standard is 5-6 grains per pound of draw weight.
Yes, significantly. Each inch of draw length typically changes speed by ~10 fps. A 28" draw (vs standard 30") loses ~20 fps. This is because longer draws store more energy in the bow.
Kinetic energy (ft-lbs) determines stopping power. For ethical hunting: 40+ ft-lbs for small game, 50+ for deer, 65+ for elk. It combines arrow weight and speed: KE = (V² × W) / 450240.
Yes: increase draw weight (higher poundage), increase draw length (if your form allows), reduce arrow weight, or upgrade to a faster bow. New strings and cables can also improve performance.
Both matter differently: speed affects trajectory and wind drift, while mass affects penetration and kinetic energy. The balance depends on your shooting style—speed for target archery, mass for hunting.