How heavy is a shot put?
The men's shot weighs 7.26 kg (16 lb) and the women's 4 kg (8.82 lb). US high school boys throw a 12 lb (5.44 kg) shot and girls a 4 kg shot.
| Level | Men / boys | Women / girls |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | 7.26 kg (16 lb) | 4 kg (8.82 lb) |
| U20 | 6 kg | 4 kg |
| U18 | 5 kg | 3 kg |
| US high school | 12 lb (5.44 kg) | 4 kg (8.82 lb) |
Why it matters for a PB
A mark only compares with marks made with the same weight. A 15.00 with a 12 lb shot and a 15.00 with a 7.26 kg shot are different results, so a PB is kept for each implement.
Sources: World Athletics Book of Rules: Competition and Technical Rules; NFHS Track and Field rules. Updated 2026-10-31.