Judo weight classes are split into men’s and women’s categories, with official limits measured in kilograms (kg). The IJF uses separate divisions for each, from extra-lightweight to heavyweight, and the limits in pounds are conversions for reference. Your category affects both your official weigh-in and how much weight you can regain before competition.
Judo weight classes for men and women
| Women’s category | Limit (kg) | Limit (lb) | Random weigh-in max |
|---|---|---|---|
| -48 kg Extra-lightweight | 48 | 105.8 | 50.4 kg |
| -52 kg Half-lightweight | 52 | 114.6 | 54.6 kg |
| -57 kg Lightweight | 57 | 125.7 | 59.9 kg |
| -63 kg Half-middleweight | 63 | 138.9 | 66.2 kg |
| -70 kg Middleweight | 70 | 154.3 | 73.5 kg |
| -78 kg Half-heavyweight | 78 | 172.0 | 81.9 kg |
| +78 kg Heavyweight | over 78 | over 172.0 | not drawn |
| Men’s category | Limit (kg) | Limit (lb) | Random weigh-in max |
|---|---|---|---|
| -60 kg Extra-lightweight | 60 | 132.3 | 63.0 kg |
| -66 kg Half-lightweight | 66 | 145.5 | 69.3 kg |
| -73 kg Lightweight | 73 | 160.9 | 76.7 kg |
| -81 kg Half-middleweight | 81 | 178.6 | 85.1 kg |
| -90 kg Middleweight | 90 | 198.4 | 94.5 kg |
| -100 kg Half-heavyweight | 100 | 220.5 | 105.0 kg |
| +100 kg Heavyweight | over 100 | over 220.5 | not drawn |
Source: IJF Sport and Organisation Rules, Aug 2026. Pounds converted from kilograms.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) sets the weight categories used in international judo. The table above covers the standard senior and junior divisions for men and women.
Each category has a weight range. A minus sign before the category weight means you must be at or below that limit. It does not mean you need to weigh exactly that amount.
For example, a competitor entering a lightweight division does not need to land right on the upper limit. Being comfortably below it is fine, as long as the athlete also meets the lower boundary of that category.
The IJF also lists an open-weight category for senior and junior men and women. This category has no weight limit. It is separate from the regular divisions shown in the table.
If you are searching for Olympic judo weight classes, the senior IJF divisions are the place to start. But always check the categories listed for your actual event before registering.
Rule check: Your official category is a range, not just a target number. Check both boundaries before choosing your division.
Judo weight classes in pounds
Judo uses kilograms as its official unit of weight. If you normally weigh yourself in pounds, you can use converted values to understand where you fit.
Here are some common examples from the IJF categories:
- Women’s extra-lightweight: 48 kg, about 105.8 lb
- Women’s lightweight: 57 kg, about 125.7 lb
- Women’s middleweight: 70 kg, about 154.3 lb
- Men’s extra-lightweight: 60 kg, about 132.3 lb
- Men’s lightweight: 73 kg, about 160.9 lb
- Men’s middleweight: 90 kg, about 198.4 lb
These pound values are conversions, not separate official limits.
That difference matters when you are close to a category boundary. A rounded pound value can make you think you have more room than you actually do.
For training, you can track your weight in either unit. As competition approaches, it helps to use a scale that displays kilograms. That way, you are comparing your weight directly with the number used at the official weigh-in.
You should also consider normal changes in body weight during the day. Food, drinks, and bathroom visits can affect the number on the scale.
Avoid making your entire plan depend on a reading that leaves almost no room for normal variation.
How does the official judo weigh-in work?
An official weigh-in decides whether you are eligible to compete in your registered category.
For IJF events, the weigh-in follows a set schedule and includes an opportunity to check your weight before the official measurement.
The official process includes these requirements from the IJF Sport and Organisation Rules, version 14.08.2026. IJF SOR
- Official weigh-in: The day before competition, starting at 16:00 local time
- Official session length: 30 to 60 minutes
- Unofficial checks: From 40 minutes before until 10 minutes before the official session
- Unofficial attempts: Unlimited checks on the official scales
- Clothing: Underclothing only during the official measurement
- Official attempt: One attempt on the scale
- Recorded weight: One decimal place, such as 51.9 kg
- Outside the category limits: DSQ, meaning disqualification and exclusion from competition
The biggest mistake is treating the unofficial check as a chance to fix a large weight problem.
It is better to arrive already within your category. Use the early scale access to confirm your weight and reduce uncertainty, not to start an emergency cut.
The official attempt is different from the unofficial checks. You cannot count on getting another chance after stepping onto the scale.
Check the event schedule, know where the weigh-in takes place, and leave enough time to reach the correct location.
Safety: Do not use dehydration, saunas, sweat suits, diuretics, or other extreme methods to force your weight down. They can put your health and performance at risk.
What is the random weigh-in in judo?
Passing the official weigh-in does not always mean you are finished with the scale.
The IJF World Judo Tour also uses a random weigh-in on competition day for individual events.
The random weigh-in follows these rules. IJF SOR
- Opening time: One hour before competition begins each day
- Selection: Four athletes drawn from each category, excluding the plus categories
- Arrival: At least 30 minutes or six contests before your first contest
- Weight allowance: No more than 5% above the official category maximum
- Failed random weigh-in: Athlete not allowed to compete
You cannot assume you will avoid the check just because the athletes are chosen randomly.
The allowance is not the same as permission to regain unlimited weight after the official scale.
IJF random weigh-in weight limits
These are the senior category maximums for the random weigh-in, including the permitted allowance.
| Women’s category | Random limit | Men’s category | Random limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| -48 kg | 50.4 kg | -60 kg | 63.0 kg |
| -52 kg | 54.6 kg | -66 kg | 69.3 kg |
| -57 kg | 59.9 kg | -73 kg | 76.7 kg |
| -63 kg | 66.2 kg | -81 kg | 85.1 kg |
| -70 kg | 73.5 kg | -90 kg | 94.5 kg |
| -78 kg | 81.9 kg | -100 kg | 105.0 kg |
These are competition-day checks, not replacements for the official category limits.
Hotel test scales are another useful way to check your weight. IJF event hotels must make calibrated test scales available daily from 08:00 to 22:00.
Use the same unit you will see at the event and avoid relying on a last-minute estimate.
Why the random weigh-in limits how much you can cut
The random weigh-in changes how you should think about making weight.
In some combat sports, athletes focus almost entirely on passing the first scale and then gaining back as much weight as possible.
That approach is a poor fit for judo events with random checks.
The competition-day allowance places a ceiling on how much you can weigh after the official weigh-in. Even if you pass the first check, excessive weight regain can leave you outside the permitted range.
This creates a practical problem with aggressive cutting. You might reach your official category but still have to worry about the scale after eating and drinking.
Your recovery should support your ability to fight, not create another weight problem.
Instead of asking how much weight you can lose at the last moment, ask whether you can maintain a body weight that fits your chosen category without extreme changes.
A category that requires constant dehydration or leaves you struggling to recover is worth reconsidering.
You can use the rehydration calculator to think through fluid replacement after the scale. Treat it as a planning aid, not permission to exceed the random weigh-in limit.
How to choose your judo weight category safely
The best judo category is not automatically the lowest one you can reach.
You need enough energy to train, grip, throw, defend, and stay focused during competition.
Start by looking at your normal body weight when you are eating and drinking regularly.
Then consider:
- Your usual weight: Where does your weight stay without a hard cut?
- Your training quality: Are you still able to complete demanding sessions?
- Your recovery: Do you feel ready to train again after a hard workout?
- Your eating habits: Can you reach the category while eating regular meals?
- Your weigh-in margin: Can you make the limit without a desperate final adjustment?
- Your competition readiness: Will you feel strong and alert on the mat?
If the answers are mostly negative, the lower category may not be a good choice.
For younger athletes who are still growing, trying to hold a low body weight can be especially concerning. Speak with your coach and a qualified healthcare professional before making a weight-loss plan.
A higher category can be the better decision when it lets you train consistently, recover properly, and compete without fighting the scale.
Safety: Do not skip meals, deliberately restrict water, or use rapid weight-loss tricks to chase a category. Your health comes before a number.
What to do next
Once you know your category, build your plan around your actual weigh-in date rather than a last-minute target.
Use this process:
- Find your registered IJF category and confirm its weight boundaries
- Compare the limit with your normal, well-hydrated body weight
- Check the official and random weigh-in requirements for your event
- Choose a realistic approach to training, meals, and recovery
- Review your weight trend without reacting to every daily change
- Discuss any major weight change with your coach and a healthcare professional
The weight cut calculator can help you see the difference between your current weight and your category limit. It is a starting point for planning, not a guarantee that a cut is safe.
CutCoach can also build a day by day plan for calories, water, meals, and refueling after the scale using your weight, weight class, and weigh-in date.
If you compete in other grappling sports, review the IBJJF weight classes separately. Do not assume that the same weight categories and weigh-in procedures apply across sports.
The goal is simple: reach the correct category, follow the event rules, and arrive ready to compete. A good weight plan should support your judo, not become the hardest part of it.