Paralympic archers are given a classification depending on the type and extent of their disability, allowing them to compete against others with a similar level of function.

[1] A National Paralympic Committee (NPC) could be allocated a maximum of thirteen qualification slots across the nine events, although the NPCs of the 2015 Para Archery World Champions could be allocated additional slots.

The majority of quota places were awarded for performances in the 2015 World Championships and the continental qualification events (including the 2015 Parapan American Games).

A smaller number were allocated to the host nation, to the highest ranked archers at a Final Paralympic Qualifying tournament, and at the discretion of the International Paralympic Committee's Bipartite Commission.

Outside of the W1 events, China and Iran were the most successful nations, sharing five golds and nine medals between them.