⚖️ BJJ Weight Class Calculator
Find your IBJJF competition division
IBJJF Weight Classes Explained
IBJJF weight classes are weighed with the gi on. This means your actual body weight plus 3-5 pounds of gi fabric determines your division. A 170-pound athlete wearing a 4-pound gi weighs in at 174 pounds and competes at Meio Pesado (Medium Heavy, under 195.5 lbs) — but could cut to Peso Médio (Middle, under 181.6 lbs) with room to spare, or might naturally fit Peso Leve (Light, under 167.5 lbs) with a lighter gi and a few pounds shed.
Choosing the right weight class is strategic. Competing at the bottom of a weight class means you face larger opponents but are lean and fast. Competing at the top means you are the bigger athlete but may have cut weight, sacrificing energy and recovery. The ideal position is within 3-5 pounds of the class limit — close enough that you are competitive size-wise without the performance cost of a significant cut.
Should I cut weight for competition?
Cutting more than 5-7 pounds for a BJJ tournament is rarely worth it. Unlike wrestling or MMA where you weigh in hours or a day before competing, IBJJF tournaments weigh you in immediately before each match. You cannot rehydrate between weigh-in and fighting. Dehydration-based cuts directly impair your performance on the mat. Compete at your walk-around weight or 3-5 pounds below — any more costs you strength and endurance that matters more than a size advantage.