What Is Power Factor in Competition Shooting?
Power factor is a number used in USPSA, IPSC, IDPA, and others to measure the momentum of your bullet. It’s a way of classifying ammo—whether you’re shooting “major” or “minor” scoring—and it can directly affect your match results.
Here’s what it actually means and why it matters.
The Formula
Power Factor (PF) is calculated using this formula:
Power Factor = (Bullet Weight × Velocity) ÷ 1000
- Bullet weight is in grains.
- Velocity is in feet per second (fps).
- Divide by 1000 to simplify the number.
So, if you’re shooting a 124-grain bullet at 1,050 fps:
PF = (124 × 1050) ÷ 1000 = 130.2
That puts you safely in “minor” territory for USPSA.
Why It Matters
Power factor determines your scoring category—major or minor. Higher power factor (major) means better point values for non-A-zone hits (C and D zones), but often comes with more recoil. Lower power factor (minor) usually means less recoil and faster shooting, but you’re penalized more for anything outside the A-zone.
It’s a tradeoff: speed vs. points.
You’ll also need to meet minimum PF requirements to be eligible in certain divisions. If you don’t make the minimum, you get bumped into a different scoring bracket—or worse, disqualified from the match.
Power Factor Requirements by Sport
Here’s a breakdown of minimums by organization and division:
USPSA
Handgun Divisions
- Major: 165
- Minor: 125
Rifle Divisions
- Major: 320
- Minor: 150
IDPA
- BUG (Backup Gun): 95
- Stock Revolver: 105
- Enhanced Revolver: 155
- Compact Carry Pistol: 125
- Stock Service Pistol (SSP): 125
- Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP): 125
- Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP): 165
IPSC
All Divisions Minor: 125 minimum
Major Requirements by Division:
- Open: 160
- Standard: 170
- Classic: 170
- Revolver: 170
- Production: 125 minimum (no major allowed)
