Arrow Weight Chart by Spine
Finished arrow weight by spine at typical hunting lengths. Includes a GPP check for each weight class, so you can quickly see whether your build is light, mid, heavy, or ultra-heavy for your draw weight.
📊 Finished Arrow Weight by Spine
Assumes a 29 in arrow with 100 gr point, 25 gr insert, and 30 gr rear components. Actual weight varies with shaft GPI, insert material, vane style, and point weight.
| Spine | Common Shaft GPI Range | Finished Weight (approx.) | Class | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 11–13 gpi | 475–530 gr | Ultra Heavy | Dangerous game / heavy hunting |
| 250 | 10–12 gpi | 450–500 gr | Heavy | Large game / high-FOC hunting |
| 300 | 9–11 gpi | 425–475 gr | Heavy | Elk, bear, heavy-hunting |
| 340 | 8.5–10 gpi | 410–450 gr | Mid-Heavy | All-around hunting |
| 400 | 7.5–9 gpi | 390–425 gr | Mid | Deer / mid-weight hunting |
| 500 | 6.5–8 gpi | 360–400 gr | Light | Target / light hunting |
| 600 | 5.5–7 gpi | 340–370 gr | Light | Youth / target / 3D |
⚖️ GPP Check by Draw Weight
Grains per pound (GPP) is finished arrow weight divided by draw weight. Common hunting ranges are 6–8 GPP for standard setups and 8+ GPP for heavy penetration builds.
| Arrow Weight | 40 lb bow | 50 lb bow | 60 lb bow | 70 lb bow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 gr | 8.8 GPP | 7.0 GPP | 5.8 GPP | 5.0 GPP |
| 400 gr | 10.0 GPP | 8.0 GPP | 6.7 GPP | 5.7 GPP |
| 425 gr | 10.6 GPP | 8.5 GPP | 7.1 GPP | 6.1 GPP |
| 450 gr | 11.3 GPP | 9.0 GPP | 7.5 GPP | 6.4 GPP |
| 500 gr | 12.5 GPP | 10.0 GPP | 8.3 GPP | 7.1 GPP |
| 550 gr | 13.8 GPP | 11.0 GPP | 9.2 GPP | 7.9 GPP |
| 600 gr | 15.0 GPP | 12.0 GPP | 10.0 GPP | 8.6 GPP |
GPP is a comparison tool, not a rule. Modern crossbows and speed-focused bows may run lower than 6 GPP safely; heavier builds commonly sit above 8.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typical hunting arrow weigh?
Most modern compound hunting arrows land between 400 and 500 grains finished. Heavy-hunting / large-game builds run 500–650 grains. Target and 3D arrows are often 300–380 grains.
Does arrow weight depend on spine?
Yes, indirectly. Stiffer spine shafts (200, 250, 300) are usually built with thicker walls and heavier GPI. Weaker spine shafts (500, 600) are thinner-walled and lighter. So spine selection largely determines the weight class you land in.
Is a 500 grain arrow too heavy for deer?
No — 500 grains is a very common deer arrow weight, especially for shooters who value quiet bows and good momentum. It typically produces 55–70 ft-lbs of KE at hunting speeds with a 60–70 lb bow.
What is the lightest safe arrow for my bow?
Most manufacturers recommend a minimum of 5 grains per pound of draw weight to protect limbs. Below this, limbs can be damaged by dry-fire-like stress. Stay at 6 GPP or higher for safety margin.
Can I shoot heavier than my spine allows?
Heavier arrows do not require stiffer spines — point weight and insert weight do. A heavy shaft at the same spine tunes normally. Adding heavy front components (200 gr point + 100 gr insert) is what shifts the tune.
How do I estimate arrow weight for a build I haven't made yet?
Use our arrow weight calculator to input shaft GPI, length, and each component. It returns total grains plus GPP.