Which weight class suits me — and how much will my child weigh at the next championship? The weight classes in wrestling are structured differently depending on age group, gender and style. In this article you will find a complete overview of all current 2026 weight classes — for seniors (men & women), juniors, cadets, U15 and youth classes.
Note: The weight classes are based on the current UWW regulations (valid since 2018) and the 2026 DRB age-group rules. Deviations may occur at individual tournaments — always check the respective announcement.
How do weight classes work in wrestling?
Weight classes ensure that wrestlers of similar body weight compete against each other. This makes the matches fairer, more technical and safer. Unlike some other combat sports, wrestling also has a maximum weight in the heaviest class — nobody may be arbitrarily heavy.
Weigh-in usually takes place on the day of competition, usually 30–60 minutes before the start. Weigh-in is done in the wrestling singlet on an electronic scale.
Senior weight classes (Men & Women) – UWW 2026
Since 2018, there have been 10 weight classes in the senior category. These apply to World Championships, European Championships, ranking tournaments and German Championships. Juniors (U20) and U23 also compete in the senior weight classes.
| No. | Men freestyle | Men Greco-Roman | Women freestyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | up to 57 kg | up to 55 kg | up to 50 kg |
| 2 | up to 61 kg | up to 60 kg | up to 53 kg |
| 3 | up to 65 kg | up to 63 kg | up to 55 kg |
| 4 | up to 70 kg | up to 67 kg | up to 57 kg |
| 5 | up to 74 kg | up to 72 kg | up to 59 kg |
| 6 | up to 79 kg | up to 77 kg | up to 62 kg |
| 7 | up to 86 kg | up to 82 kg | up to 65 kg |
| 8 | up to 92 kg | up to 87 kg | up to 68 kg |
| 9 | up to 97 kg | up to 97 kg | up to 72 kg |
| 10 | up to 125 kg | up to 130 kg | up to 76 kg |
Important: In the heaviest class there is a maximum weight — that is a special feature in wrestling. So you must also stay under the limit (e.g. a maximum of 125 kg in men's freestyle).
Olympic weight classes (6 per style)
At the Olympic Games and their qualification tournaments, not all 10 classes are contested, but only 6 classes per style and gender:
| designation | Men freestyle | Men Greco-Roman | Women freestyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| flyweight | – | – | up to 50 kg |
| bantamweight | up to 57 kg | up to 60 kg | up to 53 kg |
| lightweight | up to 65 kg | up to 67 kg | – |
| welterweight | up to 74 kg | up to 77 kg | up to 57 kg |
| middleweight | up to 86 kg | up to 87 kg | up to 62 kg |
| light heavyweight | – | – | up to 68 kg |
| heavyweight | up to 97 kg | up to 97 kg | up to 76 kg |
| super heavyweight | up to 125 kg | up to 130 kg | – |
Cadet weight classes (U17) – UWW
Cadets (16–17 years) compete in their own weight classes, which are set lower than for seniors:
| No. | Cadets (male) | Cadettes (female) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41–45 kg | 36–40 kg |
| 2 | up to 48 kg | up to 43 kg |
| 3 | up to 51 kg | up to 46 kg |
| 4 | up to 55 kg | up to 49 kg |
| 5 | up to 60 kg | up to 53 kg |
| 6 | up to 65 kg | up to 57 kg |
| 7 | up to 71 kg | up to 61 kg |
| 8 | up to 80 kg | up to 65 kg |
| 9 | up to 92 kg | up to 69 kg |
| 10 | up to 110 kg | up to 73 kg |
U15 weight classes – UWW
For the U15 age group (14–15 years), lighter weight limits still apply:
| No. | U15 (male) | U15 (female) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 34–38 kg | 29–33 kg |
| 2 | up to 41 kg | up to 36 kg |
| 3 | up to 44 kg | up to 39 kg |
| 4 | up to 48 kg | up to 42 kg |
| 5 | up to 52 kg | up to 46 kg |
| 6 | up to 57 kg | up to 50 kg |
| 7 | up to 62 kg | up to 54 kg |
| 8 | up to 68 kg | up to 58 kg |
| 9 | up to 75 kg | up to 62 kg |
| 10 | up to 85 kg | up to 66 kg |
Junior classes in Germany (U12, U10, U8)
For the youngest age groups (U12, U10, U8), special regulations apply in Germany:
- U10 and U12: Weight classes are often formed according to the so-called 10% rule – the upper limit of a class is determined by increasing the weight of the lightest participant by up to 10%. This means that the brackets are often set only after weigh-in on the day of the tournament.
- U8: Offered at some tournaments, but not at all. The playful aspect is the focus here.
- Girls U10/U12: May generally compete mixed with boys. Separate female age groups usually start from age 13.
Tip for parents: The exact weight classes for U12/U10 tournaments are only listed in the respective tournament announcement – sometimes only after weigh-in. So do not worry too much about the exact weight; focus on healthy preparation.
DRB age groups 2026 – overview
In German competition (DRB), the following age groups and birth years apply for the 2026 season:
| Age group | Age | Birth years 2026 | Match time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men / Women | 18 and up | 2008 and older | 2 × 3 Min. |
| U20 (Juniors) | 18–20 | 2006–2008 | 2 × 3 Min. |
| U17 (Cadets) | 15–17 | 2009–2011 | 2 × 2 Min. |
| U14 | 13–14 | 2012–2013 | 2 × 2 Min. |
| U12 | 11–12 | 2014–2015 | 2 × 2 Min. |
| U10 | 9–10 | 2016–2017 | 2 × 2 Min. |
Note: The age groups can vary slightly depending on the state association and tournament announcement. Always check the current announcement for your tournament.
How do I find the right weight class?
Your competition weight determines your class – not your training weight or everyday weight. Here are a few tips:
- Know your training weight: Weigh yourself regularly in the morning on an empty stomach to get a realistic picture.
- Pay attention to singlet weight: At weigh-in, you wear your wrestling singlet – that can add 100–200 g.
- Do not "starve": Making weight through dehydration or starvation is unhealthy and reduces your performance – especially for children and adolescents.
- Compete in a class higher: In general, you are also allowed to compete one class higher. Sometimes it is better to step onto the mat with a full stomach and full strength.
- Check the tournament announcement: Whether moving up to the next higher class is allowed and whether there is a minimum weight for the lowest class is stated in the tournament announcement.
What you need for weigh-in
- Wrestling singlet: Worn at weigh-in — make sure it fits and is competition-ready (Wrestling Singlet Rules 2026).
- Start card / wrestler pass: Retained and checked at weigh-in. No valid pass, no start.
- Punctuality: The weigh-in time is strictly limited (often only 30 minutes). Late = no start.
More on the schedule on tournament day: Wrestling Tournament Schedule – Weigh-in, Weight Classes & Packing List
FAQ: Common Questions about Weight Classes in Wrestling
May I compete one weight class higher?
Yes, in general you may move up one weight class. There are sometimes restrictions for the second-lowest class — a minimum weight may apply here. Details are listed in the announcement.
What is the 10% rule for U10/U12?
The 10% rule means that the weight classes are only formed after the weigh-in. The lightest participant sets the lower limit, and the class includes a maximum of 10% more body weight. This ensures a fair classification for young wrestlers.
Is there a minimum weight in the lightest class?
In the lowest weight class, there is no minimum weight at many tournaments. Any wrestler from the eligible birth year may compete regardless of body weight.
Are the weight classes the same for freestyle and Greco?
Not quite. Among seniors, the weight limits differ slightly between freestyle and Greco-Roman (e.g. up to 57 kg vs. up to 55 kg in the lightest class). For cadets and U15, the classes are identical for both styles.
When do I have to weigh in?
Weigh-in takes place on the competition day, usually 30–60 minutes before the start. At multi-day tournaments (e.g. Bavarian Championships), weigh-in is repeated each day — you cannot weigh in just once for both days.
What happens if I am too heavy at weigh-in?
If you do not meet the weight limit of your registered class, you may move up to the next higher class depending on the tournament rules (sometimes for a fee). If you cannot make that either, you cannot start. So always plan in a small buffer.
Further Articles:
- Wrestling Tournament Schedule: Weigh-in, Weight Classes & Packing List
- Wrestling Singlet Rules 2026 (UWW/DRB)
- Calculate Wrestling Singlet Size 2026
- Getting Started with Wrestling – Beginner Guide 2026
- Knee & Shoulder Problems in Wrestling: Prevention
Sources: Wikipedia – Weight Classes (Wrestling) · UWW International Rules (DRB translation) · German Wrestling Federation (DRB)
