Choosing the right bow for yourself can somewhat depend on your draw length. It simply determines the total length of the bow when it is fully drawn. Starting from the nocking point of a bow to the pivot point. Sometimes, it is also measured corner of the string to the Berger hole (the place where the arrow rest is attached to the riser)
Wondering how to measure draw length appropriately? There are multiple ways and the easiest one is via measuring your wingspan. It refers to calculating the entire length from the tip of the middle finger of your one hand all the way to the other.
Now put the reading in a draw length calculator or do it yourself manually. In this guide, our experts have discussed some extremely easy, tried, and tested ways to help you understand how to find your draw length.
How To Measure Draw Length In Few Easy Steps
Remember, whichever method you opt for, none can tell the exact measurement. The difference won’t be too large to impact your shooting accuracy. However, make sure to find out your draw length every couple of days for some time till you get the closest to the real value.
Following are the ways that tell you how to determine archery draw length with or without a calculator.
How To Calculate Draw Length
Some tech experts have designed a calculator that gives you the correct draw length based on your wingspan. The calculations are made using the arm span or your height in inches. Do you know that your arm span measures exactly your total height?
As you enter this value in the calculator, it will subtract 15 from it and divide the new value by 2. Doing so will give you a close to accurate estimation of the draw length.
Remember, never draw the bow beyond your capacity or add an inch or two to your arm span. This can lead to inaccurate results for you which ultimately impacts your overall efficiency while shooting.
According to the calculator, one of our archers having 73.5 inches of height or wingspan will have a draw length of 29.5 inches. However, he can actually draw 28.8 inches max on a bow.
Similarly, another team member is 6 ft. (72 inches) tall and as per the calculator, his draw length is 28.75 inches. But, he can actually draw the bow to 33 inches at most without any discomfort.
While determining the draw length for the bow, keep in mind that whatever value you get will only be the approximation and not the actual draw length. The real value will be +/- 2 to 3 inches.
Based on the results of the draw length calculator, here are some common draw lengths for different spread measurements.
| Wingspan(in.) | Draw Length (in.) |
| 57 to 62 | 22 to 24 |
| 63 to 68 | 24 to 26 |
| 69 to 74 | 26 to 28 |
| 75 to 80 | 28 to 30 |
As mentioned earlier, to get near-to-close results, keep measuring your wingspan and height twice every week. Do this for at least a month and compare it with the length that you actually draw. As tested by our experts, you will get better approximations after a few tries.
How To Measure Draw Length By Yourself?
One of the easiest ways to figure out your draw length yourself is the wingspan method. It would be better if someone else measures the length for you. However, if you are all alone and want to do it by yourself, it is no hassle.
Stand straight with your arms stretched out wide. Hold a measuring tape between your fingers, and make sure to keep your palms open. Hold the other end of the tape in your second hand and check the length.
Since a person’s arm span has the same length as their height, you can check your height with a scale on the wall. Whatever value you get, divide it by 2.5, and you will get the estimated results for your draw length.
How To Measure Your Draw Length For A Compound Bow?
Unlike longbows and traditional recurve bows, a compound bow cannot be drawn at any distance. Specific draw weights are required to aim a recurve bow. On the other hand, compound bows only draw the arrow at a certain distance and it won’t go beyond that length. This distance of the maximum pull is known as the draw length. how to aim a recurve bow
When it comes to determining the draw length for a compound bow, draw the bow completely. Then measure the distance between the nocking point and the pivot point (deepest part of the grip). Now add 1 3/4 inches to the value. This will be your draw length for a compound bow.
For the best shooting accuracy, the physical size including stature, wingspan, and power of the shooter should match the bow’s mechanical setting. That said, it is better to figure draw length that you have, before purchasing the bow.
Some hunters buy used units which are used roughly and signs of wear and tear are visible. I personally don’t recommend for beginners. However, if you have experience of using bow and arrow for archery or bow hunting, learn how to measure bow strings.
Once you do, you can check various bows, give them a test draw and check if you and the bow match the same draw length. This practice helps archers get the best compound bow for themselves to enjoy an unmatched performance with accuracy.
Conclusion
Archery or bow hunting is the most enjoyable when you can make the best shots with your bow. For that, you should know how to measure draw length in simple ways. While figuring it out may sound tricky, it is quite easy and one measures it all alone as well.
Make sure to try the same method a couple of times so that you get as exact results as possible. Once you do, you can get yourself a bow with the same draw length as you determined for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
For an ideal length of the arrow, you should choose one that is at least one or two inches longer than your draw length. You can also check for the best length by placing it on the bow and drawing it completely. If the arrow sits beyond 1 inch or more on the arrow rest, it is a good choice.
Regardless of the type of bow you use, the methods for finding the draw length are the same. You can either use a draw length-specific calculator or try the wingspan method.
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