Arrow Kinetic Energy Calculator

Calculate arrow kinetic energy and momentum to determine hunting adequacy for different game sizes.

Arrow Weight

Arrow Speed

fps

Tab to move between fields

Kinetic Energy

69.65 ft-lbs

Hunting Classification

Dangerous Game (moose, grizzly)

Momentum0.4973 slug·ft/s

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your Total Arrow Weight in grains (use the Arrow Build calculator to find this).
Set your Arrow Speed in fps using a chronograph at the shooting line.
Review Kinetic Energy in ft-lbs — 25+ for deer, 42+ for elk, 65+ for large dangerous game.
Check Momentum for penetration assessment — higher momentum drives deeper.
Use the Hunting Classification to confirm your setup meets the energy minimum for your target game.

How the result changes with Arrow Speed

Arrow Speed	Kinetic Energy	Hunting Classification
130	15.01 ft-lbs	Small Game (rabbit, turkey)
205	37.34 ft-lbs	Medium Game (deer, antelope)
295	77.31 ft-lbs	Dangerous Game (moose, grizzly)
370	121.62 ft-lbs	Dangerous Game (moose, grizzly)

Kinetic Energy: Arrow energy — 25+ for deer, 42+ for elk, 65+ for large dangerous game.
Momentum: Arrow momentum — higher momentum means better penetration.
Hunting Classification: Maximum game class based on kinetic energy.

Identify Input Parameters
Arrow Weight = 400, Arrow Speed = 280 = 2 input(s) provided
Calculate Kinetic Energy
Kinetic Energy
69.65 = 69.65
Calculate Momentum
Momentum
0.4973 = 0.4973

Engine last updated July 26, 2026. Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.

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