Advanced Arrow Speed Calculator
Bow & Arrow Configuration
Common Bow & Arrow Setups
Advanced Technical Setups
Your Saved Setups
Arrow Performance Results
Arrow Speed
Kinetic Energy
Momentum
Effective Range
| Distance (yards) | Drop (inches) | Wind Drift (inches) | Speed (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 290 | 65.6 |
| 20 | -1.8 | 0.5 | 285 | 63.5 |
| 30 | -6.2 | 1.4 | 280 | 61.4 |
| 40 | -14.1 | 2.8 | 275 | 59.3 |
| 50 | -25.7 | 4.9 | 270 | 57.1 |
| 60 | -41.2 | 8.0 | 265 | 55.0 |
| Variable | Speed (fps) | Kinetic Energy (ft-lbs) | Momentum (slug-ft/s) | Effective Range (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 grains | 320 | 68.1 | 0.30 | 50 |
| 350 grains | 295 | 67.8 | 0.32 | 48 |
| 400 grains | 276 | 67.6 | 0.35 | 45 |
| 450 grains | 260 | 67.5 | 0.37 | 42 |
| 500 grains | 246 | 67.3 | 0.39 | 40 |
Speed Optimization
Based on your current setup, you could gain approximately 15-20 FPS by making the following changes:
- Reduce arrow weight to 320 grains (currently 350 grains)
- Switch to low-profile vanes instead of standard vanes
- Increase draw weight by 5-10 lbs if physically comfortable
Hunting Optimization
For optimal hunting performance, consider these adjustments:
- Increase point weight to 125 grains for better penetration
- Total arrow weight of at least 420 grains for big game
- Ensure kinetic energy is above 60 ft-lbs for large game hunting
Accuracy Optimization
To improve accuracy with your current setup:
- Consider slightly heavier arrows for better wind resistance
- Optimize FOC (Front of Center) to 10-15% for optimal stability
- Match arrow spine to your bow's draw weight and length
Understanding Arrow Speed Calculations
The theoretical maximum speed of an arrow can be calculated using the formula:
Arrow Speed = √(2 × Stored Energy × Efficiency ÷ Arrow Mass)
Where:
- Stored Energy = 0.5 × Draw Weight × Draw Length
- Efficiency = Percentage of stored energy transferred to the arrow
- Arrow Mass = Total arrow weight in appropriate units
This calculator accounts for additional factors such as:
- Air Resistance - Based on arrow diameter, fletching size, and environmental conditions
- Bow Type Efficiency - Different bow designs transfer energy at different rates
- Let-Off - For compound bows, affects stored energy calculation
Kinetic Energy and Momentum
Kinetic Energy (KE) = 0.5 × Arrow Mass × Velocity²
For archery, we typically convert to ft-lbs using: KE = (Arrow Weight in grains × Velocity² in fps) ÷ 450,240
Momentum = Arrow Mass × Velocity
In archery units: Momentum = (Arrow Weight in grains × Velocity in fps) ÷ 225,120
Kinetic energy impacts how much damage an arrow can cause, while momentum relates to penetration ability.
Arrow Tuning Guide
Spine Selection
Arrow spine (stiffness) should match your bow's draw weight and length. An improperly spined arrow will not fly consistently.
- Too Stiff (Overspined): Arrow tends to impact right of target (for right-handed shooters)
- Too Weak (Underspined): Arrow tends to impact left of target (for right-handed shooters)
Front of Center (FOC)
FOC is the percentage of an arrow's weight that is forward of the arrow's physical center.
- Target Archery: 10-15% FOC recommended
- Hunting: 12-18% FOC recommended
- Traditional/Long Distance: 15-25% FOC recommended
Paper Tuning Process
- Shoot through paper at 5-6 feet
- Analyze tear pattern
- Make adjustments to nock height, rest position, or arrow spine
- Repeat until achieving a perfect "bullet hole"
Archery Terms Glossary
- Draw Weight
- The peak force required to pull the bow to full draw, measured in pounds
- Draw Length
- The distance from the nock point to the pivot point of the grip plus 1.75 inches
- FPS (Feet Per Second)
- Standard measurement of arrow velocity
- FOC (Front of Center)
- Percentage of arrow weight forward of its physical center
- GPI (Grains Per Inch)
- Measurement of arrow shaft weight per inch of length
- Let-Off
- Percentage reduction in draw weight at full draw on a compound bow
- Spine
- The stiffness of an arrow shaft
- IBO Speed
- A standardized measurement using a 70# bow, 30" draw, and 350 grain arrow
