Draw Weight
50 lbs
Holding
13 lbs
Range
40–60
Recommended Draw Weight
50 lbs
Purpose range: 40–60 lbs
Holding Weight
13 lbs
Meets Minimum
Yes
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Price as of Jul 24, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Inputs
Result
180 × 0.33 = 59 lbs. Purpose midpoint 50 lbs. min(59, 50) × 1.0 = 50 lbs. Holding: 13 lbs with 75% let-off.
Inputs
Result
140 × 0.33 = 46 lbs. Purpose midpoint 30 lbs. min(46, 30) × 0.8 = 24 lbs. Recurve: 24 lbs holding (no let-off).
Start with 30–33% of your body weight as a maximum draw weight guideline. Then narrow based on purpose: target shooting needs 20–40 lbs, deer hunting requires 40–60 lbs minimum, and elk/bear hunting needs 50–80 lbs. Beginners should start 20% lighter and build up.
| Body Weight | Target | Deer Hunting | Elk Hunting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lbs | 20–30 lbs | 40 lbs | 45–50 lbs |
| 160 lbs | 25–40 lbs | 45–55 lbs | 55–65 lbs |
| 200 lbs | 30–45 lbs | 50–65 lbs | 60–75 lbs |
Draw weight is the peak force to pull the bow to full draw. Holding weight is the force you sustain while aiming. Compound bows have 65–80% let-off, meaning a 60-lb draw weight only requires 12–21 lbs to hold. Recurves and longbows have zero let-off.
Most states require a minimum of 40 lbs for deer hunting. Practical recommendations are 45–65 lbs for whitetail deer. With a compound bow at 60 lbs, a broadhead arrow delivers approximately 65 ft-lbs of kinetic energy—more than enough for ethical harvest.
Yes. Starting too heavy causes bad form, fatigue, shoulder injury, and target panic. Begin 20% below your estimated ideal and increase gradually. Most compound bows are adjustable over a 10–15 lb range without buying a new bow.
Outdoor and utility calculators
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.