Estimate the recommended recurve or longbow bow length from your draw length and view the result in inches, feet, cm, or meters, AMO/ATA.
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Bow Size Formula
The bow size calculator estimates a starting bow length for a recurve or longbow from your draw length. It first converts your draw length to inches, then applies a common bow length chart.
- DL = draw length entered by you
- C_in = conversion factor from the selected draw length unit to inches
- DL_in = draw length in inches
- BL_in = recommended bow length in inches
- C_out = conversion factor from inches to the selected output unit
- BL_out = recommended bow length in your selected output unit
The calculator accepts draw length in inches, feet, centimeters, or meters. The recommendation is based on draw length only. The draw weight field is optional and does not change the recommended bow length.
Recurve and Longbow Size Reference
Use this chart to understand the bow length recommendation before converting it to another unit.
| Draw Length | Recommended Bow Length | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 26 in or less | 64 in | Shorter draw lengths, smaller archers, compact traditional setups |
| More than 26 in to 28 in | 66 in | Common adult recurve starting size |
| More than 28 in to 30 in | 68 in | Longer draw lengths, smoother draw feel |
| More than 30 in | 70 in | Very long draw lengths, target-style traditional bows |
Common Length Conversions
| Bow Length | Feet | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 64 in | 5.3333 ft | 162.56 cm |
| 66 in | 5.5000 ft | 167.64 cm |
| 68 in | 5.6667 ft | 172.72 cm |
| 70 in | 5.8333 ft | 177.80 cm |
Example Calculations
Example 1: 27 inch draw length
You enter a draw length of 27 in.
A 27 inch draw length falls in the range greater than 26 in and up to 28 in, so the recommended bow length is:
Example 2: 73 cm draw length
You enter a draw length of 73 cm.
A 28.7402 inch draw length falls in the range greater than 28 in and up to 30 in, so the recommended bow length is:
FAQ
Does draw weight affect bow length?
No. Draw weight affects how much force it takes to pull and hold the bow, but it does not determine the recommended bow length in this calculator. Bow length is based on draw length.
Is this the right size calculator for a compound bow?
No. This calculator is for recurve and longbow AMO-style length recommendations. Compound bows are usually sized by axle-to-axle length, brace height, draw length range, and intended use, so this chart should not be used to choose compound bow axle-to-axle length.
What if my result is between two bow sizes?
The calculator uses fixed draw length ranges, so the output will be one standard bow length. If you are near a cutoff, the shorter bow may feel more compact, while the longer bow may feel smoother at full draw. For target shooting, many archers prefer the smoother feel of a slightly longer bow.
