The Bow Draw Length Calculator determines ideal archery draw length from arm span (arm span ÷ 2.5) and recommends the correct arrow length. Shooting with incorrect draw length causes inconsistent form, accuracy problems, and potential injury — getting this right is the most important bow setup step.
28
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71.1
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29.5
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28
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71.1
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29.5
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1
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Your draw length is the distance from the bow grip to your bow hand's anchor point at full draw — and it is set by your skeletal anatomy, not preference. Shooting a bow with too long a draw overstretches your form, causing the string to cross your face; too short causes a cramped anchor and poor power transfer. The draw length calculator gives you your correct measurement from a single tape measure reading.
Draw Length (inches) = Arm Span (inches) ÷ 2.5
Measure arm span: stand with arms spread horizontally, palms forward; measure from fingertip to fingertip across the back; don't strain or hunch — natural relaxed posture. For a person with a 70-inch arm span: draw length = 70 ÷ 2.5 = 28 inches — the most common adult draw length.
Alternative formula sometimes used: Draw length = (Arm span − 15) ÷ 2. For 70-inch span: (70−15)/2 = 27.5 inches. The ÷2.5 method is more widely accepted by archery organizations including USA Archery.
Use this online calculator for your measurement. The recommended arrow length = draw length + 1–2 inches (for safety margin at full draw).
Arrow length = draw length + 1 to 2 inches. For a 28-inch draw: arrows should be 29–30 inches long. The extra length ensures the arrow tip clears the rest even if you ever slightly overdraw. Arrows cut shorter than draw length are dangerous — they can fall off the rest and the broadhead can cut your hand. Arrow spine selection also depends on draw length: longer draw → weaker spine needed for the same point weight and draw weight combination. Your local archery pro shop can cut and spine-match arrows once you have your confirmed draw length.
Compound bows: draw length is adjusted by changing the cam modules or rotating the cams — most modern compound bows have adjustable range of 3–6 inches. Set draw length so the draw stops comfortably with a slight bend in the bow arm and proper anchor point. Recurve bows: no mechanical draw stop — the archer determines their own anchor point consistently. Draw length is still relevant for selecting arrow length and matching arrow spine. Traditional longbows: draw length determines the bow's effective power point — traditional bows are often sold in a specific draw weight "at 28 inches," meaning the draw weight increases beyond 28 inches. The sports equipment calculators cover complementary performance measurement tools.
A draw length of 26-29 inches is typical for most adult male archers, while 23-27 inches is common for adult female archers. If your result is outside these ranges, double-check your arm span measurement by having someone else measure while your arms are fully extended. The suggested bow length is for recurve bows; compound bows are adjustable and should be set exactly to your draw length. The arrow length recommendation includes a 1.5-inch safety overhang, which can be adjusted based on your specific bow setup and shooting style. Always verify with a draw length check arrow before cutting carbon or aluminum shafts.
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A 71-inch arm span yields a 28.4-inch draw length, ideal for a 68-inch recurve bow with 29.9-inch arrows.
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Results
Using the height method for a 64-inch tall archer, the estimated draw length of 25.6 inches pairs well with a 64-inch bow.
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