Quick answer: judo has seven senior weight classes each for men and women, set by the International Judo Federation and used at the Olympics. Men compete at -60, -66, -73, -81, -90, -100 and +100 kg; women at -48, -52, -57, -63, -70 and +78 kg, with -78 kg between -70 and +78. The categories are defined in kilograms only — the pound figures below are conversions, so a -73 kg judoka must make 73.0 kg (about 160.9 lbs) at the weigh-in. Junior (U21) athletes use the same seven categories as seniors; cadets (U18) use a separate lighter set. There is no upper limit in the heavyweight classes (+100 kg for men, +78 kg for women).
Last updated: July 25, 2026. This guide lists the current IJF judo weight classes for seniors, juniors and cadets in both kilograms and pounds, explains how judo weigh-ins work, and shows how the divisions compare with Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Weight categories are set by the International Judo Federation and can be adjusted for age group and event, so always confirm the exact limit on your competition’s registration page.
Judo weight classes 2026: men
The seven senior men’s categories below are the official IJF divisions used at the World Championships and Olympic Games. The pound figures are converted from the official kilogram limits.
| Division | Weight limit (kg) | Weight limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-lightweight | -60 kg | up to 132.3 lbs |
| Half-lightweight | -66 kg | up to 145.5 lbs |
| Lightweight | -73 kg | up to 160.9 lbs |
| Half-middleweight | -81 kg | up to 178.6 lbs |
| Middleweight | -90 kg | up to 198.4 lbs |
| Half-heavyweight | -100 kg | up to 220.5 lbs |
| Heavyweight | +100 kg | over 220.5 lbs |
Judo weight classes 2026: women
| Division | Weight limit (kg) | Weight limit (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-lightweight | -48 kg | up to 105.8 lbs |
| Half-lightweight | -52 kg | up to 114.6 lbs |
| Lightweight | -57 kg | up to 125.7 lbs |
| Half-middleweight | -63 kg | up to 138.9 lbs |
| Middleweight | -70 kg | up to 154.3 lbs |
| Half-heavyweight | -78 kg | up to 172.0 lbs |
| Heavyweight | +78 kg | over 172.0 lbs |
How judo weigh-ins work
Judo weight limits are hard maximums. If your division is -73 kg, you must weigh 73.0 kg or less at the official weigh-in; a single gram over and you are moved out of the category or disqualified. Unlike some grappling rulesets, there is no allowance for the gi — judoka weigh in without it.
Because the IJF defines every category in kilograms, the pound values you see online are conversions and can differ slightly from one source to another depending on rounding. The kilogram figure is the one that counts. At major events the weigh-in is held the evening before or the morning of competition, and many events also run a short random check on the competition day.
Junior and cadet judo weight classes
Juniors (U21) use the same seven categories as seniors, for both men and women. Cadets (U18) use a separate, lighter set of seven categories per sex. Cadet divisions have been revised by the IJF over the years, so treat the table below as the standard structure and confirm the current limits in your event’s rules or the IJF Sport and Organisation Rules.
| Age group | Boys / Men | Girls / Women |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (U21) | -60, -66, -73, -81, -90, -100, +100 kg | -48, -52, -57, -63, -70, -78, +78 kg |
| Cadet (U18) | -50, -55, -60, -66, -73, -81, +81 kg | -40, -44, -48, -52, -57, -63, +63 kg |
Younger age groups (sub-cadets and children) are organised nationally rather than by the IJF, so their divisions vary widely by country and are usually set by each national federation.
Judo vs BJJ weight classes
Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu both use weight categories, but they are structured differently. Judo runs a tight seven-division ladder defined purely in kilograms and weighed without the gi. The IBJJF, by contrast, publishes its own chart with the gi included and lists official pound values rather than pure conversions, which is why a BJJ “middleweight” and a judo “middleweight” are not the same weight.
The other key difference is the absolute division: BJJ competitions often include an open-weight bracket where any size can enter, a format judo uses only in specific events rather than as a standard category. For the jiu-jitsu side, see our full BJJ weight classes guide and our comparison of judo vs jiu-jitsu. To understand judo’s ranking system alongside its divisions, see our judo belt order guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many weight classes are there in judo?
Seven for senior men and seven for senior women. Men: -60, -66, -73, -81, -90, -100 and +100 kg. Women: -48, -52, -57, -63, -70, -78 and +78 kg. These are the official IJF categories used at the World Championships and Olympics.
What is the heaviest weight class in judo?
The men’s +100 kg and women’s +78 kg heavyweight divisions. Both are open at the top — there is no maximum weight, so the biggest athletes in the sport compete here.
Does judo weigh in with the gi on?
No. Judoka weigh in without the gi, and the kilogram limit is a hard maximum. This differs from IBJJF Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where competitors weigh in wearing the gi.
Are judo weight classes in kg or lbs?
Kilograms. The IJF defines every category in kg, so any pound figure is a conversion. A -73 kg competitor must make 73.0 kg (about 160.9 lbs) exactly, and the kilogram value is what the scale is set to.
Do juniors and cadets use the same weight classes as adults?
Juniors (U21) use the same seven categories as seniors. Cadets (U18) use a separate, lighter set — boys from -50 to +81 kg and girls from -40 to +63 kg. Younger children’s divisions are set nationally.
