Weapon Weight
Weapon weight describes how heavy a weapon is for carrying, transport and equipment calculations. It is not a substitute for rules about proficiency, handedness, size or Strength requirements.
Legacy Size Rule
In the legacy rule represented by this entry, the listed weight is for a Medium version of the weapon. A Small version weighs half as much, while a Large version weighs twice as much.
| Weapon size | Weight adjustment |
|---|---|
| Small | Half the listed Medium weight. |
| Medium | Use the listed weight. |
| Large | Double the listed Medium weight. |
Why Weight Matters
Weapon weight contributes to how much equipment a character or mount is carrying. It can also matter when a weapon is transported in bulk, hidden in a container, moved by magic, carried across fragile terrain or recovered as treasure.
Weight does not by itself tell you whether a character can wield the weapon. The relevant weapon-size, proficiency and combat rules still apply.
Converting Between Editions
Do not automatically apply this size formula to every rules edition. Equipment tables and size rules have changed between editions. When using a weapon in 5.5e/2024, 5e/2014, Pathfinder 1e or D&D 3.5e, use the weight and size rules printed for that edition first.
For the Games Master
Weight becomes most interesting when logistics matter: hauling captured arms, travelling with pack animals, crossing ropes or ice, concealing weapons, or deciding what can be taken from a battlefield before pursuit catches up.