Calculator
Kinetic energy
142.1 ft-lbs
Momentum
0.710 slug-ft/s
Suitable for
Very large game
elk, moose, cape buffalo class animals
Muzzle values only. Arrows lose speed and energy downrange. This is a general guide, not a guarantee of performance. Always follow your state's hunting regulations.
Crossbow presets
Tap a crossbow to load its rated speed. Rated speeds come from our verified product data.
Game suitability guide
This widely cited kinetic energy guideline is a starting point. Shot placement, broadhead quality and distance matter more than raw numbers.
| Game class | Min. kinetic energy | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small game | 0+ ft-lbs | rabbit, squirrel, groundhog |
| Medium game | 25+ ft-lbs | coyote, pronghorn, turkey |
| Large game | 42+ ft-lbs | whitetail deer, black bear, wild hog |
| Very large game | 65+ ft-lbs | elk, moose, cape buffalo class animals |
Every crossbow we review clears the large game guideline many times over at the muzzle. See best crossbow for deer hunting and how far a 400 FPS crossbow can shoot.
The formulas
- Kinetic energy (ft-lbs) = grains × FPS² ÷ 450,240
- Momentum (slug-ft/s) = grains × FPS ÷ 225,218
Kinetic energy grows with the square of speed, so faster bows gain energy quickly. Momentum grows linearly with both weight and speed, and is often used to compare penetration potential, which is why some hunters prefer heavier arrows. Compare bows side by side in the crossbow comparison tool.