Archery Arrow: Parts, Anatomy & How It Works

An archery arrow is a fin-stabilized projectile launched via a bow. Every arrow consists of four core components: a long, straight stiff shaft, stabilizers called fletchings, a weighted tip at the front, and a nock — the slotted rear end that clips onto the bowstring. Understanding each part is the foundation of choosing the right arrow for your bow and discipline.

Arrow Components

• Shaft: The body of the arrow. Shafts are commonly made from aluminum or carbon fiber, and their stiffness is measured as spine. A shaft's weight is rated in grains per inch (GPI), which does not include the nock, insert, point, or fletchings.
• Nock: A small slotted component at the rear of the archery arrow that engages the bowstring. Arrow length is measured from the throat of the nock to the end of the shaft, not including the point or insert.
• Fletchings: Fins near the nock that stabilize the arrow in flight. These can be plastic vanes or natural feathers. Vane size varies by discipline — larger fletchings suit short indoor distances, while smaller vanes are preferred for long outdoor shots where drag matters.
• Tip / Arrowhead: The front-end component that determines the arrow's purpose. Point weight affects both the arrow's flight characteristics and the effective stiffness of its spine.

Arrow Spine and Weight

The spine rating of an archery arrow measures its stiffness. In the standardized static spine test, a 29-inch shaft is supported 28 inches apart; the resulting deflection in inches, multiplied by 1,000, gives the spine number. A 330-spine arrow is stiffer than a 500-spine arrow. Shaft material also plays a role — see our guides on selecting carbon arrow shafts and choosing aluminum arrow shafts for a deeper breakdown of each material.

An arrow's total weight is influenced by GPI, shaft length, and every component added to it. The balance point relative to the geometric center is called front-of-center (FOC), which affects trajectory stability in flight.

Tips and Points

The arrowhead category covers everything from field points to broadheads. Point weight directly changes how an archery arrow flies, shifting the effective spine stiffer or weaker depending on the bow setup. For a closer look at how tips attach and vary by use, see our overview of arrow points and their weights.

Fletching Selection

The fletching on an archery arrow — whether vanes or feathers — directly governs in-flight stability. Bowhunters using fixed-blade broadheads typically need larger fletchings for steering, while outdoor target archers often use smaller-profile vanes to reduce aerodynamic drag at longer distances.

The craft of making arrows belongs to a fletcher; the craft of making arrowheads belongs to an arrowsmith. Both disciplines trace back further than recorded history, making the archery arrow one of humanity's oldest projectile technologies.