Bow Size Calculator

Q: What size bow do I need for my draw length?

Recurve bows: 25-27 inch draw = 66 inch bow, 27-29 inch draw = 68 inch bow, 29-31 inch draw = 70 inch bow. Compound bows: Size by axle-to-axle measurement, not draw length. Short ATA (28-32 inches) for hunting, medium (33-36 inches) for versatility, long (37+ inches) for target. Traditional longbows: Minimum 4 inches longer than draw length. 28 inch draw = 68 inch minimum longbow.

Q: Does bow length affect accuracy?

Yes, significantly. Bows too short for your draw: harsh draw cycle, finger pinch (recurve), reduced accuracy, faster limb wear. Bows too long: slower arrows, bulkier for hunting, but more stable and forgiving. For recurve, proper bow length prevents sharp string angle at full draw. For compound, axle-to-axle affects forgiveness (longer = more stable) vs maneuverability (shorter = easier in tight spaces).

Q: Can I use a bow that's slightly too short or too long?

Slightly too long is acceptable - minor loss of speed but increased forgiveness. Slightly too short is problematic for recurve (finger pinch, harsh draw, accuracy loss) and traditional bows (stress on limbs, potential damage). For compound bows, axle-to-axle is preference-based (hunting vs target) rather than a fit requirement. When in doubt, go longer rather than shorter for recurve and traditional bows.

Calculate the correct bow size and bow length for recurve, compound, and traditional bows.
Based on your draw length and shooting style.
Includes sizing charts for youth, ILF takedown, and longbow setups.

Quick navigation: Calculator · Recurve Sizing · Compound Sizing · Longbow Sizing · Youth Sizing · FAQs

Calculator

Bow type I know my...

Your draw length (inches)

Don't know your draw length? Use our draw length calculator.

Experience level

💡 Tip: When between sizes, choose the longer bow for recurve/traditional. More forgiving and easier to shoot accurately.

📏 Don't know your draw length yet? Use the Draw Length Calculator first — bow size depends on it.

Example bow sizing

Let's find the right recurve bow size for a typical adult male archer:

Specification	Value
Bow type	Recurve bow
Draw length	28 inches
Height	5'10" (70 inches)
Experience	Beginner
Recommended Bow
Bow length (AMO)	68 inches
Alternative	70 inches (more forgiving, slightly slower)
Riser (if ILF takedown)	25" riser + medium limbs = 68" bow

A 68" recurve is the most versatile size - fits 80% of adult archers perfectly. Suitable for Olympic recurve, barebow, and hunting recurve setups.

🎯 Ready to buy a bow?

Shop recurve bows at Lancaster Archery, compound bows at Lancaster, or traditional longbows at 3Rivers Archery.

Recurve bow sizing guide

Recurve bow length by draw length

Draw Length	Recommended Bow Length (AMO)	Typical For
16" - 20"	54" - 58"	Youth ages 6-10
20" - 24"	58" - 62"	Youth ages 10-14, small adults
24" - 26"	64" - 66"	Teens, petite adults, compact hunting bow
26" - 28"	66" - 68"	Average adult females, shorter males
28" - 30"	68" - 70"	Average to tall males (most common)
30" - 32"	70" - 72"	Tall adults (6'2"+)

Why recurve bow length matters

Recurve bow length affects the string angle at full draw. Too short and you get:

Finger pinch: Sharp string angle pinches fingers, causing discomfort and inconsistent release
Harsh draw: String stacks (gets harder to pull) near full draw
Reduced accuracy: Harder to hold steady at full draw
Faster limb wear: Excessive bending stresses limbs

Optimal string angle: 90-100 degrees at full draw. Use longer bows for longer draws to maintain this angle.

ILF (International Limb Fitting) bow sizing

ILF takedown recurves use interchangeable limbs. Bow length = Riser length + Limb length.

Riser Length	Short Limbs	Medium Limbs	Long Limbs
23" (compact)	66" bow	68" bow	70" bow
25" (standard)	68" bow	70" bow	72" bow
27" (long)	70" bow	72" bow	74" bow

Most adults use a 25" riser with medium limbs = 70" bow, or 25" riser with short limbs = 68" bow. Once you've chosen your bow length, use the String Length Calculator to find the correct bowstring size.

Recurve bow length recommendations by use

Olympic recurve target: 68"-70" for most adults. Longer = more stable for precision.
Barebow (no sights): 66"-68" for versatility. Slightly shorter aids maneuverability.
Recurve hunting: 60"-66" for portability in woods. Shorter easier in ground blinds and tight spaces.
3D archery: 66"-68" balances accuracy and handling on varying terrain.

Compound bow sizing guide

Understanding axle-to-axle (ATA) measurement

Compound bows are sized by axle-to-axle distance (measured from center of top cam axle to center of bottom cam axle). Unlike recurves, compound size isn't directly tied to draw length - it's based on intended use.

Compound bow sizes by axle-to-axle

ATA Range	Category	Best For	Pros	Cons
28" - 31"	Ultra-compact	Tree stand hunting, tight spaces	Very maneuverable, lightweight	Less forgiving, harder to shoot accurately
31" - 33"	Compact hunting	Whitetail hunting, ground blinds	Good balance of speed and forgiveness	Still requires good form
33" - 35"	Mid-size versatile	All-around hunting and 3D	Forgiving, easy to shoot, versatile	Slightly bulkier for tight spaces
35" - 37"	Long hunting / 3D	Western hunting, 3D competition	Very stable, accurate at distance	Less maneuverable in woods
37" - 41"	Target / competition	Indoor/outdoor target, long range	Maximum stability and accuracy	Not practical for hunting

Compound bow size recommendations by use

Hunting compound bows:

Tree stand hunting (Midwest/East): 30"-33" ATA - compact for climbing and maneuvering
Ground blind hunting: 28"-32" ATA - ultra-compact for tight blind quarters
Western spot-and-stalk: 34"-36" ATA - longer shots need more stability
All-around hunting: 32"-34" ATA - versatile for various hunting situations

Target compound bows:

3D competition: 33"-36" ATA - balance of maneuverability and accuracy
Indoor target (18-20 meters): 36"-38" ATA - stability for tight groups
Outdoor target (50-90 meters): 38"-41" ATA - maximum stability for long range

Compound bow forgiveness vs. maneuverability

The fundamental trade-off in compound sizing:

Factor	Short ATA (28"-32")	Long ATA (36"-40")
Accuracy / Stability	Less stable, requires perfect form	Very stable, forgiving of small errors
Maneuverability	Excellent in tight spaces	Bulky in woods/blinds
Best for beginners?	No - harder to shoot well	Yes - easier to develop good form
Speed	Typically faster (shorter brace height)	Slightly slower but more consistent
Hunting situations	Tree stands, ground blinds, thick cover	Open country, spot-and-stalk

Compare specific compound bows by axle-to-axle, brace height, and draw weight range in our Compound Bow Specs Chart — includes current models from Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech, PSE, and Bear.

Beginner compound bow recommendation

For your first compound bow: 33"-35" axle-to-axle. This size offers:

Enough forgiveness to develop good form
Easier to shoot accurately while learning
Still usable for hunting in most situations
Can transition to competition if you get serious

Avoid ultra-compact bows (under 31" ATA) as your first compound - they're unforgiving and harder to master.

Traditional longbow sizing guide

Longbow length by draw length

Draw Length	Minimum Bow Length	Recommended Bow Length
20" - 24"	60"	62" - 64"
24" - 26"	64"	66" - 68"
26" - 28"	66"	68" - 70"
28" - 30"	68"	70" - 72"
30" - 32"	70"	72" - 74"

Traditional bow length rule of thumb

Minimum bow length = Draw length + 40 inches

Example: 28" draw length → 68" minimum bow (28 + 40 = 68)

This ensures the bow doesn't over-stress at your full draw. Drawing a bow too far past its design limits can:

Cause limb stacking (sharp increase in draw weight near full draw)
Stress limbs excessively, leading to breakage
Create hand shock and vibration
Reduce arrow speed and efficiency

Longbow styles and sizing

English longbow (D-shaped):

Typically 68"-74" for adults
Longer is better - traditional English longbows were 6+ feet
Minimum: draw length + 42-44 inches

American flatbow (Hill-style):

Typically 66"-70" for adults
Flatter limb design allows slightly shorter lengths
Minimum: draw length + 38-40 inches

Hybrid longbow (modern traditional):

Typically 64"-68" for hunting
Reflex/deflex designs more forgiving of shorter lengths
Minimum: draw length + 36-38 inches

Why longbows need to be long

Unlike recurves (which have curved tips that reduce string angle) or compounds (which use cams), traditional longbows are nearly straight. This means:

String angle at full draw is determined purely by bow length
Shorter bows = sharper string angle = finger pinch and harsh draw
Longer bows = gentler string angle = smooth draw and comfortable shooting
Very long bows (72"+) are the smoothest but bulkier for hunting

Youth bow sizing by age

Age	Typical Draw Length	Recurve Bow Length	Compound ATA
5-7 years	16" - 20"	48" - 54"	24" - 28" (youth compound)
8-10 years	20" - 24"	54" - 60"	26" - 30"
11-13 years	24" - 27"	62" - 66"	28" - 32"
14-16 years	26" - 29"	66" - 68"	30" - 34" (adult sizing)

Youth archers grow quickly. Consider adjustable bows that grow with the archer. Many youth compounds adjust from 19"-30" draw length and 10-70 lbs draw weight, lasting 5-8 years of growth.

Use our youth bow calculator for complete youth equipment recommendations including draw weight, arrow selection, and safety considerations.

Why bow size matters more than most archers realize

I've watched countless beginners buy the wrong size bow because they didn't understand how bow length affects shooting. They walk into a shop, see a "cool looking" compact hunting bow, and buy it without considering whether it actually fits their draw length. Six months later they're frustrated because the bow is harsh to draw, pinches their fingers, and they can't shoot it accurately no matter how much they practice.

Here's what happens when you shoot a recurve or longbow that's too short for your draw: The string angle at full draw becomes too severe. Instead of a comfortable 90-degree angle, you get 60-70 degrees. This creates finger pinch - the string literally pinches your fingers together at full draw, making consistent release impossible. You develop a flinch anticipating the pinch. Your groups never tighten up because you're fighting the equipment.

For compound bows, the issue is different but equally important. Ultra-compact compounds (28-30 inch axle-to-axle) are marketed heavily for hunting - they're easy to maneuver in a tree stand and look tactical. But they're also significantly less forgiving of form errors. A beginner shooting a 30-inch ATA bow will struggle with inconsistent groups because the shorter wheelbase amplifies every tiny mistake in their form. The same archer on a 34-inch ATA bow suddenly shoots 2-inch tighter groups.

The dirty secret of the archery industry: they push compact bows hard because they're profitable and look cool in marketing. But the reality is most hunters would shoot better - and therefore make cleaner, more ethical kills - with a slightly longer, more forgiving bow. That 33-inch ATA bow isn't "too long" for tree stand hunting unless you're in an incredibly tight blind. It's just 2-3 inches longer than the 30-inch model, but it's dramatically easier to shoot well.

For traditional archers, bow length is even more critical because you don't have the mechanical advantage of cams or the curved limb tips of a recurve to help with string angle. A 66-inch longbow with a 30-inch draw is asking for trouble - severe stacking, finger pinch, and potential limb damage from overdrawing. The same archer on a 70-inch longbow experiences smooth draw, comfortable shooting, and better accuracy.

The best advice I can give: when choosing bow size, prioritize shooting comfort and forgiveness over portability and looks. A bow that's 2-3 inches longer than you "need" will almost always make you a better archer. A bow that's 2-3 inches shorter than you need will almost always frustrate you. When in doubt, go longer - especially if you're a beginner or intermediate archer still developing form.

Bow size calculator FAQs

What size bow do I need for my draw length?

Recurve bows: 25-27 inch draw = 66 inch bow, 27-29 inch draw = 68 inch bow, 29-31 inch draw = 70 inch bow. Compound bows: Size by axle-to-axle measurement, not draw length. Short ATA (28-32 inches) for hunting, medium (33-36 inches) for versatility, long (37+ inches) for target. Traditional longbows: Minimum 4 inches longer than draw length. 28 inch draw = 68 inch minimum longbow. Use our calculator above for exact recommendations.

What is the best bow length for beginners?

Beginners should choose bow length based on draw length, not experience. For recurve: 68 inches is most versatile (fits 27-29 inch draws). For compound: 33-35 inch axle-to-axle is easiest to shoot and most forgiving. For traditional: 66-68 inches for average adults. Longer bows are more forgiving and easier to shoot accurately for beginners. Shop beginner recurve bows at Lancaster Archery.

Does bow length affect accuracy?

Yes, significantly. Bows too short for your draw: harsh draw cycle, finger pinch (recurve), reduced accuracy, faster limb wear. Bows too long: slower arrows, bulkier for hunting, but more stable and forgiving. For recurve, proper bow length prevents sharp string angle at full draw. For compound, axle-to-axle affects forgiveness (longer = more stable) vs maneuverability (shorter = easier in tight spaces).

What does AMO bow length mean?

AMO (Archery Manufacturers Organization) length is the standard measurement for recurve and traditional bows. It represents the total length of the bow when strung and measured from tip to tip along the curve. Common AMO lengths: 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 inches. When shopping, a 68 inch AMO recurve will measure 68 inches when properly strung. This standardization ensures consistency across bow brands.

Can I use a bow that's slightly too short or too long?

Slightly too long is acceptable - minor loss of speed but increased forgiveness. Slightly too short is problematic for recurve (finger pinch, harsh draw, accuracy loss) and traditional bows (stress on limbs, potential damage). For compound bows, axle-to-axle is preference-based (hunting vs target) rather than a fit requirement. When in doubt, go longer rather than shorter for recurve and traditional bows.

How do I size an ILF takedown recurve?

ILF (International Limb Fitting) bows use interchangeable risers and limbs. Bow length = Riser + Limbs. Standard 25" riser with medium limbs = 70" bow. Same riser with short limbs = 68" bow. Most adults use 25" riser (standard) with short or medium limbs depending on draw length. 23" risers are compact for hunting. 27" risers are for very tall archers or target shooting.

What axle-to-axle should I get for hunting?

Tree stand hunting: 30-33 inch ATA for maneuverability. Ground blind: 28-32 inch ATA for tight spaces. Western/spot-and-stalk: 33-36 inch ATA for stability on longer shots. All-around hunting: 32-34 inch ATA balances forgiveness and maneuverability. Most hunters shoot better with 32-34" ATA than ultra-compact 28-30" models. Forgiveness matters more than maximum compactness.

Do taller people need longer bows?

Not necessarily. Draw length determines bow size, not height. Some 6'2" people have 29" draws while others have 31" draws depending on arm length. Always measure draw length (wingspan ÷ 2.5) rather than estimating from height. A 5'10" person with long arms may need a longer bow than a 6'2" person with short arms. Use our draw length calculator for accurate measurement.