Crossbow Bolt Drop Chart
Enter your bolt speed, bolt weight and zero distance to estimate where the bolt lands from 10 to 60 yards. Use it to sanity-check your scope’s aiming marks before you go to the range.
Calculator
| Distance | Point of impact | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 10 yd | 0.4 in high | 385 FPS |
| 20 yd (zero) | On aim | 371 FPS |
| 30 yd | 3.0 in low | 357 FPS |
| 40 yd | 8.6 in low | 344 FPS |
| 50 yd | 17.3 in low | 332 FPS |
Estimate only. Real drop depends on the bolt, fletching, tip and conditions; confirm every distance on the range before relying on an aiming mark.
How the estimate works
The chart steps the bolt through flight with gravity and a simple air-drag term that slows a 400-grain bolt by roughly 1.5 FPS per yard at 400 FPS. It aims the bolt so it crosses your line of sight at the zero distance. Read more on trajectory and zeroing.
Checking your reticle
Multi-dot and BDC reticles are spaced for a speed range. If your estimated drop at 30 and 40 yards differs a lot from your reticle’s spacing, check a speed-adjustable scope or the scope speed matcher. The step-by-step range process is in how to sight in a crossbow scope.
Getting a real speed
Box ratings are best-case figures. The crossbow test results page lists measured speeds for reviewed crossbows, and how fast a crossbow bolt travels explains why your own speed can differ.
What to do with your result
Read nextHow to sight in a crossbow scopeConfirm each aiming point at the range before you trust the chart.Read nextBest crossbow scopesScopes I tested, including speed-adjustable and rangefinding models.Frequently asked questions
How much does a crossbow bolt drop at 40 yards?
It depends mostly on speed. Zeroed at 20 yards, a 400 FPS bolt typically lands several inches low at 40 yards and a 300 FPS bolt lands nearly twice as low. Enter your own speed above for an estimate, then confirm on the range.
Why does my real drop differ from the chart?
The chart uses a simplified drag model. Fletching, tip shape, bolt straightness, scope mounting and temperature all change real flight, and the speed on the box is often higher than the speed with your own bolt.
Which zero distance should I use?
Most crossbow scopes with multi-dot or BDC reticles expect the top mark zeroed at 20 yards. Use the distance your scope manual specifies.
Does a heavier bolt drop more?
From the same crossbow a heavier bolt leaves slower, so it drops more at every distance, though it usually keeps its speed slightly better downrange.
More tools
See every calculator on the crossbow tools page.