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
- Retest after a failed hydration test: 24 hours
- Descent plan ends: not listed in the handbook
How weight classes work in Iowa wrestling
Iowa high school wrestling uses separate governing organizations for boys and girls. The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) oversees boys wrestling, while the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) oversees girls wrestling.
For 2026-27, boys use 14 NFHS classes from 106 to 285 pounds. Girls also have 14 classes, ranging from 100 to 235 pounds. IHSAA Wrestling Manual
This separation matters because Iowa does not use the same growth allowance date or assessment window for both divisions.
If you are planning your season with a teammate in the other division, do not assume your certification schedules match. Each organization publishes its own requirements.
Iowa growth allowance and weigh-in rules
Iowa has different growth allowance dates for boys and girls.
| Division | Growth allowance begins | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Girls, IGHSAU | December 14, 2026 | 2 lb |
| Boys, IHSAA | January 1, 2027 | 2 lb |
For boys, the growth allowance applies without requiring a scratch-weight certification at that class. However, it cannot lower your certified Minimum Weight Class.
Boys wrestling also recognizes a consecutive-day allowance when an official weigh-in has occurred. The IHSAA manual does not specify the pound amount in the weight management details.
Rule check: Do not use the boys growth allowance date for girls competitions. Ask your coach to verify the weigh-in requirements that apply to your division and event.
Weight certification in Iowa
Iowa’s boys weight certification process requires hydration testing immediately before body composition measurement.
The primary hydration method is a urine color chart. Reagent strips and refractometers are secondary methods. The manual does not state a urine specific-gravity number.
If you fail the hydration test, you must wait at least 24 hours before retesting.
Iowa uses minimum body fat standards of 7% for boys and 19% for girls. For boys, the maximum descent rate is 1.5% per week, calculated from the Monday of the assessment week. IHSAA Wrestling Manual
The assessment schedules are also different:
| Division | Assessments open | Assessments close |
|---|---|---|
| Girls | October 12, 2026 | January 28, 2027 |
| Boys | October 19, 2026 | February 12, 2027 |
These windows affect how much time you have to complete certification and plan your competitive weight.
For girls, confirm the specific hydration and descent procedures with your coach under IGHSAU guidance rather than assuming every boys procedure is identical.
Planning your season in Iowa
Start by checking which organization oversees your competition. That determines the dates you need to follow.
Once you know your assessment date, use the weight certification calculator to estimate your minimum eligible weight.
For a boys season, the descent plan calculator can help show how the assessment-week starting point affects your projected weight over time.
A useful approach is to:
- Complete your assessment within your division’s window.
- Confirm your minimum eligible class before setting a goal.
- Track your growth allowance date separately from teammates in the other division.
- Keep meals and water intake consistent during training.
- Ask your coach how consecutive-day weigh-ins affect eligibility.
Safety: Do not restrict fluids to influence your hydration assessment. Normal hydration helps you train and makes your assessment more reliable.
Source
IHSAA Manual: Wrestling, Regular Season (2026-27) + IGHSAU Wrestling page (2026-27) (IHSAA (Iowa High School Athletic Association) boys; IGHSAU (Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union) girls). Last checked October 28, 2026.