Draw Length Calculator
Calculate your optimal archery draw length from arm span measurements. Our calculator provides accurate draw length calculations, bow length recommendations, and arrow sizing guidance for all skill levels from beginner to professional archery.
Last updated: December 15, 2024
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Stand with arms outstretched, measure fingertip to fingertip
Draw Length Results
Your Draw Length
28.0"
Method Accuracy:
Most Accurate
Recommended Bow Length
66.0"
Arrow Length
29.5"
Beginner Recommendation:
Begin with 30-35 lb draw weight. Focus on consistent anchor point and follow-through.
Intermediate Recommendation:
Advance to 45-55 lb draw weight. Focus on precision shooting and competition techniques.
Advanced Recommendation:
Employ 60-75 lb draw weight. Perfect competition form and equipment tuning.
Measurement Tips:
- • Stand against a wall with arms fully extended
- • Have someone measure fingertip to fingertip
- • Keep arms parallel to the ground
- • Professional fitting is recommended for competition
- • Draw length may vary slightly with different bow types
Quick Example Result
70-inch arm span using standard method (÷ 2.5):
Draw Length
28.0"
Bow Length
66.0"
Arrow Length
29.5"
How This Calculator Works
Our draw length calculator uses proven archery measurement methods to determine your optimal draw length. This measurement is crucial for selecting properly sized archery equipment and achieving consistent, accurate shooting form.
Draw Length Calculation Methods
Standard Method: Draw Length = Arm Span ÷ 2.5The most widely accepted formula in archery. Alternative methods include (Arm Span - 15) ÷ 2 for a slightly different approach. Professional measurement may vary by ±0.5 inches.
Shows proper measurement technique and anchor point positioning
Why Draw Length Matters
Draw length is the distance from the nocking point on the bowstring to the throat of the grip plus 1.75 inches when the bow is at full draw. This measurement determines bow selection, arrow spine requirements, and overall shooting performance.
- Bow length should be minimum 2× draw length + 8-12 inches
- Arrow length equals draw length + 1-2 inches for safety
- Proper draw length ensures consistent anchor point
- Affects arrow spine selection and tuning requirements
- Critical for competitive archery accuracy and consistency
- Influences bow efficiency and energy transfer
Equipment Recommendations by Skill Level
Beginner
- • 20-40 lb draw weight
- • Recurve or basic compound
- • Focus on form development
- • Forgiving bow design
Intermediate
- • 30-55 lb draw weight
- • Advanced recurve/compound
- • Distance and precision focus
- • Competition preparation
Advanced
- • 40-80+ lb draw weight
- • High-performance equipment
- • Competition/hunting ready
- • Custom tuning required
Sources & References
- World Archery Federation (WA) - Official measurement standardsInternational archery governing body measurement protocols
- USA Archery - Equipment selection guidelinesNational governing body recommendations for draw length calculation
- Archery Trade Association - Industry standards and best practicesProfessional archery equipment fitting and measurement standards
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Get Custom Archery Equipment CalculatorExample Draw Length Calculation
Measurements:
- Height: 6' 0" (72 inches)
- Arm span: 70 inches (typical)
- Method: Standard (÷ 2.5)
- Skill level: Intermediate
Calculation Steps:
- Draw length = 70 ÷ 2.5 = 28.0 inches
- Bow length = (28 × 2) + 10 = 66 inches minimum
- Arrow length = 28 + 1.5 = 29.5 inches
- Draw weight = 35-45 lbs (intermediate)
Result: 28" draw length with 66" minimum bow length and 29.5" arrows
Recommendation: 68-70" recurve bow or compound bow with 35-45 lb draw weight
Frequently Asked Questions
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