Enter your draw length into the calculator to estimate a recommended recurve/longbow bow length (often listed as AMO/ATA bow length). Draw weight does not determine bow length, but it’s included for reference.

Bow Size Calculator

Enter your draw length to estimate a recommended recurve/longbow bow length (AMO/ATA). (This does not apply to compound axle-to-axle length.)





Related Calculators

Bow Size Recommendation (Recurve/Longbow)

There isn’t a single universal formula for bow length that applies to all bow types. For recurve and longbow setups, a common starting point is to choose a standard bow length range based on draw length.

BS \approx \begin{cases}
64\text{ in} & DL \le 26\text{ in}\\
66\text{ in} & 26 < DL \le 28\text{ in}\\
68\text{ in} & 28 < DL \le 30\text{ in}\\
70\text{ in} & DL > 30\text{ in}
\end{cases}

Variables:

  • BS is the recommended bow length (AMO/ATA) in inches (typical standard lengths are 64, 66, 68, and 70 inches).
  • DL is the draw length in inches.
  • This is a rule of thumb for recurve/longbow selection. Manufacturer charts, riser/limb combinations, and intended use (target vs. hunting/3D) may shift the recommendation.

To estimate bow length, convert your draw length to inches and select the recommended standard bow length from the draw-length range above.

What is Bow Size?

In archery, “bow size” is often used to mean the bow’s stated length (commonly given as AMO/ATA length) for recurve and longbows. This nominal length influences string angle and how the bow feels at full draw (for example, shorter bows can feel “tighter” and may increase finger pinch for some shooters). Note: compound bows are typically described by axle-to-axle length rather than AMO/ATA recurve/longbow length.

How to Calculate Bow Size?

The following steps outline how to estimate the Bow Size.

  1. Determine your draw length (DL) in inches (or enter it in any unit and let the calculator convert it).
  2. Select a recommended standard recurve/longbow length (BS) from the draw-length range chart.
  3. Use the calculator above to verify the recommended bow length in your preferred units.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Draw Length (DL) = 28 inches

Draw Weight = 50 pounds (provided for context; draw weight does not determine bow length). Recommended Bow Size (BS) ≈ 66 inches.