Arrow Speed Calculator

Calculate arrow velocity based on bow parameters including draw weight, draw length, and arrow weight. Supports both metric (m/s) and imperial (fps) units.

Unit System

Metric (kg, cm, g, m/s)

Imperial (lbs, in, gr, fps)

Draw Weight (kg)

Draw Length (cm)

Arrow Weight (g)

Bow Efficiency (%)

About Arrow Speed Calculator

Understanding Arrow Speed and Its Importance

Arrow speed is a crucial factor in archery that affects accuracy, trajectory, and kinetic energy delivery. Understanding how various factors influence arrow speed can help archers optimize their equipment setup for better performance. The science behind arrow speed involves the conversion of potential energy stored in the drawn bow into kinetic energy of the moving arrow.

When an archer draws a bow, they are essentially storing potential energy in the limbs. This energy is then transferred to the arrow during release. However, not all of this energy is converted to arrow speed - some is lost to various forms of inefficiency including string vibration, limb movement, and air resistance.

Key Factors Affecting Arrow Speed:

Draw weight - higher draw weight means more stored energy
Draw length - longer draw length increases potential energy
Arrow mass - heavier arrows result in lower speeds
Bow efficiency - better conversion of stored to kinetic energy
String material and bow design

The Physics Behind Arrow Speed

The calculation of arrow speed involves several physics principles and equations. The process begins with calculating the potential energy stored in the drawn bow and follows through to determining the final velocity of the arrow.

Calculation Process:

1. Calculate Potential Energy (PE):

PE = Force × Distance (Draw Weight × Draw Length)

2. Calculate Kinetic Energy (KE):

KE = PE × Efficiency

3. Calculate Velocity:

v = √(2 × KE ÷ Arrow Mass)

Bow Efficiency and Performance

Bow efficiency is the percentage of stored energy that is successfully transferred to the arrow. Different bow types and designs have varying levels of efficiency:

Typical Efficiency Ranges

• Compound Bows: 80-85%
• Modern Recurve: 70-75%
• Traditional Longbow: 60-65%
• Self Bow: 50-55%

Efficiency Factors

• String material quality
• Limb design and materials
• Arrow rest type
• Cam system (for compounds)
• Overall bow maintenance

Practical Applications

Target Archery

• Optimal speed for accuracy
• Reduced arrow drop
• Wind drift compensation
• Tournament regulations
• Equipment tuning

Hunting Applications

• Kinetic energy requirements
• Effective range calculation
• Penetration depth
• Legal requirements
• Ethical considerations

Recommended Speed Ranges

Speed Recommendations by Application

Application	Speed (fps)	Speed (m/s)	Notes
Target Archery	270-290	82-88	Balance of speed and accuracy
Field Archery	280-300	85-91	Flatter trajectory needed
3D Archery	290-310	88-94	Unknown distances
Hunting	260-300	79-91	Depends on game size

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does arrow weight affect speed so much?

Arrow weight has a significant impact on speed due to the conservation of energy. With a fixed amount of energy from the bow, a lighter arrow will travel faster than a heavier one. However, heavier arrows retain more energy and penetrate better, making them preferred for hunting despite lower speeds.

What is the relationship between draw weight and arrow speed?

Draw weight has a direct but non-linear relationship with arrow speed. While increasing draw weight generally results in faster arrow speeds, the relationship isn't perfectly proportional. Factors like bow efficiency and arrow weight also play crucial roles in determining final arrow speed.

How does draw length affect arrow speed?

Draw length affects arrow speed by changing the amount of potential energy stored in the bow. A longer draw length means the limbs are bent further, storing more energy that can be transferred to the arrow. However, proper form and comfortable draw length should always take precedence over maximizing speed.

What is bow efficiency and how is it measured?

Bow efficiency is the percentage of stored energy that is successfully transferred to the arrow. It's typically measured by comparing the kinetic energy of the arrow to the potential energy stored in the drawn bow. Modern compound bows achieve 80-85% efficiency, while traditional longbows typically reach 60-65%.

What arrow speed is best for target archery vs hunting?

Target archery typically benefits from speeds of 270-290 fps for optimal accuracy and reduced wind drift. Hunting applications can use a wider range (260-300 fps) depending on the game size and hunting situation. Higher speeds provide flatter trajectories but may sacrifice accuracy.

How accurate are arrow speed calculators?

Arrow speed calculators provide good estimates within 10-15% of actual speeds when accurate inputs are used. Real-world factors like string material, arrow rest friction, nocking point height, and environmental conditions can affect actual speeds. Chronograph testing provides the most accurate measurements.

Additional Resources

World Archery Federation USA Archery Resources Archery Trade Association

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