FPS Formula:
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Arrow Feet Per Second (FPS) is a measurement of arrow velocity that indicates how many feet an arrow travels in one second. It's an important metric for archers to understand arrow performance, kinetic energy, and trajectory.
The calculator uses the simple physics formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation provides the average speed of the arrow over the measured distance.
Details: Knowing arrow speed helps archers understand arrow performance, calculate kinetic energy for hunting applications, predict trajectory, and compare different bow setups and arrow configurations.
Tips: Measure the exact distance your arrow traveled (in feet) and the precise time it took to cover that distance (in seconds). For best results, use a chronograph for time measurement when possible.
Q1: What is a typical arrow speed for compound bows?
A: Most modern compound bows shoot arrows between 250-350 FPS, with high-performance models reaching over 400 FPS.
Q2: How does arrow weight affect speed?
A: Heavier arrows travel slower than lighter arrows when shot from the same bow, as they have more mass to accelerate.
Q3: Why is arrow speed important for hunting?
A: Higher arrow speeds generally mean flatter trajectories (less arrow drop) and more kinetic energy, which can improve accuracy and effectiveness.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: This provides average speed over the measured distance. For precise measurements, professional chronographs are recommended as they measure speed at point of launch.
Q5: Does temperature affect arrow speed?
A: Yes, colder temperatures can slightly reduce arrow speed due to changes in bowstring elasticity and air density.