Boys weight classes
| # | Class (lb) | With growth allowance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 106 | 108 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 2 | 113 | 115 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 3 | 120 | 122 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 4 | 126 | 128 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 5 | 132 | 134 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 6 | 138 | 140 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 7 | 144 | 146 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 8 | 150 | 152 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 9 | 157 | 159 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 10 | 165 | 167 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 11 | 175 | 177 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 12 | 190 | 192 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 13 | 215 | 217 lb after January 1, 2027 |
| 14 | 285 | 287 lb after January 1, 2027 |
Girls weight classes
| # | Class (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100 |
| 2 | 105 |
| 3 | 110 |
| 4 | 115 |
| 5 | 120 |
| 6 | 125 |
| 7 | 130 |
| 8 | 135 |
| 9 | 140 |
| 10 | 145 |
| 11 | 155 |
| 12 | 170 |
| 13 | 190 |
| 14 | 235 |
Growth allowance
- +2 lb starting January 1, 2027
Weight certification and hydration
- Hydration test limit: not listed in the handbook
- Descent plan ends: not listed in the handbook
How weight classes work in California wrestling
California high school wrestling uses 14 boys weight classes and 14 girls weight classes for the 2026-27 season. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) follows the NFHS class lists, with boys ranging from 106 to 285 pounds and girls from 100 to 235 pounds. CIF Southern Section Blue Book
CIF has 10 sections that manage wrestling assessments. Statewide weight management rules appear in the CIF rules, but your section is the place to confirm local assessment arrangements.
California also has a major difference from many other states: its approved body composition assessment does not require a hydration test.
That changes how you prepare for certification. Instead of planning around a urine test, you need to arrange the approved ultrasound assessment and understand your eligible minimum weight.
California growth allowance and weigh-in rules
CIF applies a 2-pound growth allowance to each weight class on January 1.
| Period | Growth allowance | Competition limit |
|---|---|---|
| Before January 1, 2027 | None | Regular class limit |
| January 1, 2027 onward | 2 lb | Regular class limit plus 2 lb |
The growth allowance is intended to account for normal growth during the wrestling season. It should not be treated as a reason to make a more aggressive weight cut.
The CIF Southern Section Blue Book does not specify a consecutive-day allowance amount in its weight management section.
Rule check: If you compete on consecutive days, ask your coach or section administrator how the event’s weigh-in rules work. Do not assume the January growth allowance and any other allowance can be combined without checking.
Weight certification in California
California uses the Body Metrix ultrasound wand as its only approved body composition assessment method. The method does not require hydration testing, so there is no hydration specific-gravity cutoff or hydration retest waiting period under this procedure.
The CIF Blue Book lists minimum body fat standards of 7% for boys and 12% for girls, with a built-in 1% variance.
There is an important issue for girls competing in 2026-27. The NFHS announced a change to a 19% minimum female body fat standard. The CIF Blue Book still lists 12%. Check the current CIF weight management manual and ask your section which requirement applies before making a weight plan.
| Certification detail | California rule |
|---|---|
| Assessment window | October 15 to January 15 |
| Assessment method | Body Metrix ultrasound |
| Hydration test | Not required |
| Average weight descent | 1.5% per week |
| Assessment exceptions | Hardship exceptions available |
The assessment window and descent requirements come from the CIF weight management rules. CIF Southern Section Blue Book
Planning your season in California
Your first step should be arranging an official assessment through your CIF section. Do not wait until your target competition approaches to find out which class you can enter.
Use the weight certification calculator to explore your estimated minimum weight. The descent plan calculator can help you understand how your assessment date affects a gradual change in weight.
Because California uses an ultrasound method, do not assume advice about passing hydration tests in other states applies to your certification.
Keep meals consistent, stay normally hydrated, and talk with your coach when deciding whether a lower class makes sense.
Safety: Your goal should be to compete with enough strength and energy to wrestle well, not simply to reach the smallest possible number on the scale.
Source
CIF Southern Section 2026-27 Blue Book, Article 340 Wrestling (incl. CIF Weight Management Program) (CIF (California Interscholastic Federation; 10 sections run assessments)). Last checked October 28, 2026.