Throw-weight is a measure of the effective weight of ballistic missile

Ballistic missile

A ballistic missile is a missile that follows a sub-orbital ballistic flightpath with the objective of delivering one or more warheads to a predetermined target. The missile is only guided during the relatively brief initial powered phase of flight and its course is subsequently governed by the...

 payloads. It is measured in kilograms or metric tons. Throw-weight equals the total weight of a missile's warhead

Warhead

The term warhead refers to the explosive material and detonator that is delivered by a missile, rocket, or torpedo.- Etymology :During the early development of naval torpedoes, they could be equipped with an inert payload that was intended for use during training, test firing and exercises. This...

s, reentry vehicles, self-contained dispensing mechanisms, penetration aids, and guidance system

Guidance system

A guidance system is a device or group of devices used to navigate a ship, aircraft, missile, rocket, satellite, or other craft. Typically, this refers to a system that navigates without direct or continuous human control...

s — generally all components except for the launch rocket booster and launch fuel.

Throw-weight was used as a criterion in classifying different types of missiles during Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

The Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty refers to two rounds of bilateral talks and corresponding international treaties involving the United States and the Soviet Union—the Cold War superpowers—on the issue of armament control. There were two rounds of talks and agreements: SALT I and SALT...

 between the Soviet Union

Soviet Union

The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....

 and the United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

.