Front of Center (FOC) is a crucial measurement for arrow performance, representing the balance point of an arrow as a percentage of its overall length. It’s calculated by finding the arrow’s balance point, measuring the distance from the balance point to the nock groove’s bottom, subtracting half the arrow’s total length, and then dividing that result by the total arrow length. Multiplying by 100 expresses this value as a percentage. For instance, an arrow 30 inches long with a balance point 7.5 inches from the bottom of the nock groove would have an FOC of 12.5%.
Proper arrow balance influences accuracy, downrange trajectory, and broadhead flight. A correctly balanced projectile minimizes wind drift and maximizes kinetic energy transfer upon impact, contributing to cleaner and more ethical harvests in hunting and improved consistency in target archery. Historically, arrow balance has been a key factor in archery performance, with archers continually seeking methods to optimize their projectiles for specific purposes.