The Complete Golf Club Loft Chart

There are numerous things to consider when buying golf clubs. With a lot of jargon, it can be difficult to make sure you’re getting what you actually want. 

In this golf club loft chart article, you’ll learn what lofts are and what loft ranges exist for each type of club. Luckily, we have a golf club loft chart to keep you sane!

Now, let’s delve deeper into understanding the concept and functionality of a golf club’s loft, including its various loft angles.

golf club loft charts

Golf Club Degree Chart

When considering the loft of your golf clubs, it’s crucial to remember that the specific degrees will vary based on the brand of clubs you own. 

To assist you, we’ve provided a range to give you an idea of what to expect for each club on average.

Golf Club Degree Chart
Golf Club TypeLoft Angle
Driver5.5º to 12.5º, with an average between 8º and 10.5º
1-Iron14° to 16° 
2-Iron17º to 19º, with an average of 18°
3-Iron21°
4-Iron24º to 25º
5-Iron27º to 28º
6-Iron30º to 31º
7-Iron34º to 35º
8-Iron37º to 39º
9-Iron41º to 43º
2-Hybrid16º to 18º
3-Hybrid19º to 20º
4-Hybrid21º to 23º
5-Hybrid24º to 26º
6-Hybrid28° to °30
1-Wood8° to 12° 
3-Wood13º to 16.5º
5-Wood18º to 19º
7-Wood21º to 22º
Pitching Wedge45º to 47º
Sand Wedge54º to 58º, with an average of 56º
Lob Wedge58º to 64º, with an average of 60º
Gap Wedge50º to 52º
Putter1.5º to 4.5º
The Complete Golf Club Loft Chart 1

What is Golf Club Loft?

The golf club loft refers to the angle formed between the clubface and the ground, and it plays a vital role in all types of golf clubs.

One way to think of the loft is by considering how much the clubface tilts upwards or how the upper part of the clubface tilts back in comparison to the shaft.

The loft angle directly influences the trajectory of the ball. A higher loft angle results in a higher ball flight, whereas a lower angle causes the ball to travel at a lower height once struck. A club with a high loft has a flatter face, while a club with low loft has a more upright face.

The Complete Golf Club Loft Chart 2

Club-by-Club Golf Club Loft Chart breakdown

Every golf club has a different angle. To improve your skills and get the most out of each club, it’s important to understand the loft angles golf clubs offer.

Driver Loft

In addition to putters, drivers possess the least amount of loft among golf clubs. They are the initial clubs utilized in the game to launch the ball over long distances from the tee.

Normally, the degrees of loft range from 5.5 to 12.5. 

Many players prefer to position the ball on a tee that is elevated 1.5 inches or more, which allows drivers to strike the ball at a slightly increased angle, resulting in an augmented dynamic loft.

Golfers with a slower swing speed can derive advantages from a driver with a higher loft, ranging from 10.5 to 12.5 degrees, as it enables them to hit the ball higher and cover greater distances. 

Conversely, individuals with faster swing speeds tend to perform better with lower loft angles, typically ranging from 8 to 10.5 degrees.

lofty iron club

Irons Loft

If a look at the golf club loft chart, we’ll notice different types of irons. The higher the number, the shorter the club length. 

It’s also worth noting that as the labeled numbers increase, the loft angle also increases. So, it’s easy to remember that a higher number means a higher loft. 

Irons come in handy whre facing distances where using a driver would be too much power, and a putter wouldn’t be enough. 

They’re designed for those in-between situations where you’ll be spending some time on the course.

The loft of irons ranges between 16 to 43 degrees, depending on which iron you choose.

golf club on green, assessing the golf club loft chart

Woods Loft

When it comes to fairway woods, their loft is generally lower compared to hybrids and irons, although it varies depending on the specific fairway wood you choose.

The typical loft of a 3-wood is around 15 degrees, but it can range between 13 and 16.5 degrees. 

Advanced players usually prefer the lower-lofted 3-woods, while golfers who struggle to launch the ball high should consider using options with higher loft.

Most 5-woods have a loft ranging from 18 to 19 degrees. These 5-woods can provide improved spin characteristics and ball trajectory for long approach shots compared to the 3-wood. 

golf green and flag

However, high-launching woods can make shots more susceptible to deviation in windy conditions, although they can aid in sticking fast greens, making them advantageous over irons.

Standard 7-woods typically have a loft between 21 and 22 degrees. The 5 and 7-wooare as excellent alternatives to long irons, as they offer greater forgiveness and are easier to hit whiso providing better ball trajectory. 

The 7-wood is commonly found in beginner and women’s golf club sets, serving as a staple option.

wood golf club

Hybrids 

Hybrids represent a harmonious blend of iron and wood characteristics, particularly in terms of club head design. 

While golfers typically opt for hybrids as a substitute for irons rather than woods, they often discover that hybrids offer greater success and ease of swing. 

This is attributed to the advantageous combination found in hybrids, which positions the loft angle between that of irons and woods.

Hybrid lofts range between 16 and 26 degrees.

hybrid golf club in rough

Wedges

A pitching wedge typically has a loft ranging from 44 to 47 degrees and is commonly included in golfers’ iron sets. 

However, certain game-improvement iron sets may feature pitching wedges with even lower lofts, reaching as low as 42 or 43 degrees.

Gap wedges, on the other hand, have lofts ranging from 50 to 52 degrees, with some models going as low as 48 degrees.

Sand wedges possess a loft between 54 to 58 degrees, providing the necessary elevation to escape from sand traps, as the name implies.

Lob wedges have a loft between 58 to 64 degrees, offering an exceptionally high launch angle that can help recover from most mistakes and generate quicker shots on the green.

iron golf club on the green

Putters

Putters typically have a loft ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 degrees, although some variations in loft may be present. 

However, these differences are primarily determined by the fitting process, where the putter is custom-designed to match an individual’s putting stroke.

For instance, if your putting style involves hitting the ball with an upward motion, a putter with a lower loft would be more suitable. 

On the flip side, if you tend to strike the ball in a downward manner, opting for a putter with a higher loft would be advisable.

Additionally, the type of greens you frequently encounter should consideredunt. Slower greens necessitate greater loft compared to faster greens. 

This is because slower greens typically exhibit a reduced roll rate, causing the ball to remain on the surfalongerion.

putter golf club and ball

How Can You Determine The Right Loft Angle For Your Golf Club? 

Finding the correct loft angle can have a big impact on your game, but it’s not always straightforward. There are a few important factors to consider.

Firstly, your swing speed is crucial in choosing the right loft angle. If your swing is slower, a higher loft angle can help you get more distance. A lower loft angle, however, can be more effective for increasing your distance if your swing is faster.

Secondly, the course you play on can affect your choice of loft, with many bunkers and hazards, a higher loft angle can make it easier to get out of tough lies. A lower loft angle can help you improve your distance and accuracy if you frequently play on open courses with minimal hazards.

Lastly, think about the type of shots you prefer. If you like hitting high shots that stay in the air longer, a higher loft angle will give you more spin and lift for a higher trajectory. If you prefer low, piercing shots, a lower loft angle will keep your ball trajectory lower and reduce spin.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal loft angle is to get fitted by a professional. They can assess your swing, ball flight, and other factors to recommend the perfect loft angle for you. 

golfer smiling, holding his golf guide book golf club loft charts

The Complete Golf Club Loft Chart Key Takeaways

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer aiming to enhance your game or a beginner just starting out, the loft of your club can make a world of difference.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the club before making a purchase unless you’re well-versed in all the specifications needed for online buying. 

In that case, shopping in person might be the better option for you. Happy swinging!

Next Up: Golf Ball Compression & Swing Speed

Photo of author
After graduating from the Professional Golf Management program in Palm Springs, CA, I moved back to Toronto, Canada, turned pro and became a Class 'A' member of the PGA of Canada. I then began working at some of the city's most prominent country clubs. While this was exciting, it wasn't as fulfilling as teaching, and I made the change from a pro shop professional to a teaching professional. Within two years, I was the Lead Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf instruction facilities. Since then, I've stepped back from the stress of running a successful golf academy to focus on helping golfers in a different way. Knowledge is key so improving a players golf IQ is crucial when choosing things like the right equipment or how to cure a slice. As a writer I can help a wide range of people while still having a little time to golf myself!

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.