Draw Length Calculator

Draw length is the distance from the nocking point on the bowstring to the pivot point (throat) of the grip when the bow is at full draw. It is a critical measurement that determines which bow size fits your body and shooting style. An incorrect draw length leads to poor accuracy, discomfort, and potential injury.

The standard formula divides your wingspan (arm span measured fingertip to fingertip) by 2.5. For example, a 70-inch wingspan gives a draw length of 28 inches (70 ÷ 2.5 = 28). An older alternative method subtracts 15 from your wingspan in inches and divides by 2, which produces similar but slightly different results.

Stand against a wall with your arms stretched out horizontally, fingertips pointing in opposite directions. Have a friend measure from the tip of your left middle finger to the tip of your right middle finger. Avoid measuring yourself, as self-measurements tend to be less accurate. Your wingspan is typically very close to your height in inches.

Full draw is the position where you have pulled the bowstring back to its maximum intended distance — your draw length. At full draw, your bow arm is extended toward the target and your drawing hand is anchored consistently at the same point on your face. Achieving a consistent full draw is essential for repeatable, accurate shots.

An anchor point is the specific spot on your face where your drawing hand comes to rest at full draw — typically the corner of your mouth, the tip of your nose touching the string, or your thumb touching your jaw. Using the same anchor point every shot ensures consistency and accuracy. Your draw length is measured to this anchor point.

A draw length that's too short causes you to be cramped at full draw, reducing power and accuracy. One that's too long causes overextension, poor form, string-slap on the arm, and inconsistent anchor points. Both extremes negatively affect arrow speed and accuracy, so getting the correct draw length before purchasing a bow is very important.

Yes. A longer draw length generally increases arrow speed because the bowstring travels a greater distance, storing and transferring more energy to the arrow. However, draw length should always be set to what fits your body — artificially increasing it for speed will harm your form, accuracy, and consistency.

Arrow length is typically your draw length plus 0.5 to 1 inch for safety. For compound bows, arrows are cut to approximately the same length as your draw length. Arrow spine (stiffness) is also selected based on draw length combined with draw weight — consult a spine chart from your arrow manufacturer using both measurements.