Draw length and arrow length calculator
From your arm span I work out your estimated draw length and the arrow length to start from.
The calculation follows the standard method, the one a coach also starts from before fine-tuning the measurements on the range. If you already know your draw length in inches, enter it: it takes priority over arm span and gives you the recommended arrow length straight away. The tool is free and does not ask for your email.
Arrow length to draw length chart
The same rule the calculator uses, laid out in columns: the arrow runs 1 to 2 inches beyond your draw length, never shorter. Length is measured by the standard convention, from the bottom of the nock groove to the end of the shaft, point excluded. These are indicative values to be refined on the range, and recurve archers who shoot with a clicker fine-tune them to the clicker position.
| Draw length | Arrow length | In centimetres |
|---|---|---|
| 24" (61 cm) | 25-26" | 64-66 cm |
| 25" (63.5 cm) | 26-27" | 66-69 cm |
| 26" (66 cm) | 27-28" | 69-71 cm |
| 27" (68.6 cm) | 28-29" | 71-74 cm |
| 28" (71.1 cm) | 29-30" | 74-76 cm |
| 29" (73.7 cm) | 30-31" | 76-79 cm |
| 30" (76.2 cm) | 31-32" | 79-81 cm |
| 31" (78.7 cm) | 32-33" | 81-84 cm |
| 32" (81.3 cm) | 33-34" | 84-86 cm |
Can't find your draw length? Use the calculator above: it takes half inches too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my draw length?
The standard estimate starts from your arm span divided by 2.5: with a 175 cm span, for example, 175 / 2.5 = 70 cm, which is about 27.6 inches. It is the same method the calculator above uses. The precise measurement is then taken at full draw, with a marked measuring arrow or with the help of a coach.
How long should my arrow be for my draw length?
From 1 to 2 inches beyond your draw length, and never shorter: the margin is there for safety and clearance. Length is measured by the standard convention, from the bottom of the nock groove to the end of the shaft, point excluded.
Does the chart tell me the spine as well?
No: spine depends on the draw weight you pull at your draw length, on arrow length and on point weight, and you pick it from the manufacturer's chart, which is specific to each shaft model (for Easton shafts there is the official selector). You then refine it on the range with a bare shaft test, as I explain in the tuning guide.
Is the calculator's result final?
It is a starting point: proportions vary from person to person, and the measurement is fine-tuned on the shooting line. If the number you get is very different from what you use today, that is a good reason to have a coach measure you.
The calculator gives you a starting point for your setup, to be fine-tuned on the range. If you want to see how your shooting is going, with video and competition scores, get in touch: I read every message and reply myself.
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