🏹 Draw Length Calculator
Estimate your archery draw length from your arm span — the classic wingspan ÷ 2.5 rule, with a height fallback — in both inches and centimetres, as a starting point to confirm at a shop.
🏹 Estimated draw length
The rule of thumb is arm span ÷ 2.5. Because your wingspan is usually close to your height, height ÷ 2.5 works as a rougher fallback. This is only an estimate — your real draw length depends on your stance, anchor point, and release, so confirm it on a draw-length arrow at a shop or range before buying a bow or cutting arrows.
Get your draw length right first
Almost every other measurement in archery flows from your draw length: the bow size that fits you, the actual peak weight you pull, and the length and spine of your arrows. Start from a good estimate and the rest of your setup falls into place; start from a bad one and you'll fight your anchor and consistency for months.
The wingspan ÷ 2.5 rule is a reliable ballpark, but it can't see your stance or where you anchor. Bring this number to a range or pro shop and check it on a draw-length arrow before you commit to a bow or cut a single shaft.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my draw length?
Stand with your arms stretched out to the sides in a T and have someone measure your arm span (wingspan) from the tip of one middle finger to the other in inches, then divide by 2.5. A 70-inch wingspan gives roughly a 28-inch draw length. It's an estimate — your true draw length depends on your form.
What if I can't measure my wingspan?
Because a typical adult's wingspan is close to their height, you can use height ÷ 2.5 as a rougher fallback. It's less accurate than a true arm-span measurement, so treat it as a ballpark to refine at a range.
Why does draw length matter?
Draw length sets the correct bow size, the peak weight you actually pull, and the arrow length and spine you need. A draw length that's too long or short hurts your anchor, consistency, and comfort, so getting it right is one of the most important early steps.
Is this the same as my arrow length?
No, but they're related. Arrows are usually cut a little longer than your draw length for safety and clearance. Use your measured draw length as the basis, then follow a shop's guidance on how much to add for your rest and setup.
Should I trust this number exactly?
Use it as a starting estimate only. Your real draw length is best measured on a draw-length arrow or a draw-check bow at a pro shop, where your actual stance, anchor point, and release are taken into account before you buy a bow or cut arrows.