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
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: Mar 20, 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.