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Bow Draw Weight Calculator

Calculate effective bow draw weight from draw length and bow specifications. Find actual poundage at your draw length for compound and recurve bows.

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Inputs that matter
Rated Draw Weight, Rated Draw Length, Your Draw Length, Let-off
Output to expect
Bow Draw Weight Calculator
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

AMO Draw Length Standard

Compound bows are rated at a specific draw length (typically 28 or 30 inches). Weight increases or decreases ~2.5 lb per inch from rated length on most compounds.

Weight at DL = rated weight + (your DL − rated DL) × 2.5 lb/in

Compound Let-Off

Compound bows have peak weight at full draw with let-off reducing holding weight. Listed weight is peak weight before let-off (e.g., 70 lb peak, 85% let-off = 10.5 lb hold).

Hold weight = peak weight × (1 − let-off%)

Recurve Weight at Length

Recurves follow similar ~2 lb per inch rule from rated length. Longer draw = higher weight; shorter draw = lower. Measured on scale is most accurate.

Recurve: ~2 lb/in change from rated draw length

Updated: July 2026

Example Scenarios

Shorter draw: 70 − (2 × 2.5) = 65 lb peak weight. With 80% let-off, holding weight = 65 × 0.20 = 13 lb at full draw.

Longer draw: 60 + (2 × 2.5) = 65 lb peak. Verify does not exceed bow's max limb weight rating before adjusting draw module.

Shooter with 29-inch draw: approximately 42 lb on scale. Finger tab vs release does not change limb weight — only how it feels at full draw.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming listed bow weight matches your draw length

A "70 lb" bow is 70 lb at its rated draw length only. Measure at your draw length — a 70 lb@30 bow at 27 inches draws ~62 lb.

Confusing holding weight with peak weight for arrow spine

Arrow spine selection uses peak draw weight, not let-off holding weight. A 70 lb compound with 85% let-off still needs arrows spined for 70 lb peak.

FAQ

Hunting compounds: 50–70 lb depending on state minimums and comfort. Target recurve: 30–50 lb. Choose the heaviest weight you can hold steadily at full draw for 30+ seconds.

Approximately 2–2.5 lb per inch on compounds, ~2 lb on recurves. A 2-inch longer draw adds 4–5 lb peak weight on typical compound cams.

Let-off is the percentage of peak weight removed at full draw. 80% let-off on 70 lb peak = 14 lb holding weight. Higher let-off aids aiming but changes cam dynamics slightly.

Use a bow scale or luggage scale at full draw. Hook to D-loop, draw to anchor, read peak weight before let-off engages. Most accurate method.

Yes. Draw length change alters arrow spine requirement and may change draw weight. Re-tune arrow spine and bow sight after any draw length adjustment.

About Bow Draw Weight Calculator

Bow draw weight varies with draw length — a bow marked 70 lb is rated at a specific AMO draw length. This calculator determines your actual draw weight at your draw length for compound and recurve bows.