Bow size calculator
Bow length, draw weight, and arrow length helpers for recurve and traditional archery. No login required.
Bow length finder
For recurve and traditional bows. Draw length intervals are half-open — a value on a boundary gets the longer bow after rounding up to the nearest 0.5 in.
Don't know yours? Use the draw length calculator
Rounded draw length: 27.0 in
Suggested overall AMO bow length: 66–68 in
Limbs: a standard 25 in riser with short / medium / long limbs gives a 66 / 68 / 70 in bow.
Manufacturer charts differ slightly; confirm with a coach or shop.
Draw-length chart source: Lancaster Archery Supply — What size recurve bow is right for me? (2026-03-20). https://lancasterarchery.com/blogs/guides-and-information/what-size-recurve-bow-is-right-for-me
Draw weight estimator
Limb rating is measured at 28 in draw. Estimate only — slope k is often about 2.5 lb/in; range shown for 2–3 lb/in.
Rated limb → actual at your draw length
At k = 2.5: 25.0 lb actual
Range (k = 2–3): 24.0 lb – 26.0 lb
Wanted actual → rated limb needed
Rated limb (k = 2): 26.0 lb
Rated limb (k = 2.5): 27.0 lb
Rated limb (k = 3): 28.0 lb
Beginner starting draw weight
Conservative starting band at your draw length: 20.0 lb – 30.0 lb actual
Start lighter than you think; you can move up later.
Equivalent rated limb weight (k = 2.5): 20.0 lb – 30.0 lb
Arrow length
Suggested arrow length: 29.0 in – 30.0 in (draw length + 1 to 2 in)
The arrow must extend past the arrow rest and riser at full draw.
Compound bows
On a compound, draw length is set by the cam or module, not by limb choice alone. Book a pro shop fitting so draw length and let-off match your body and shooting style.
Worked examples
- Draw length 27 in → overall bow length about 66–68 in.
- Draw length 25.2 in rounds up to 25.5 in → bow length 64–66 in.
- 30 lb rated limbs at 26 in draw → about 25 lb actual (range about 24–26 lb with k = 2–3).
FAQ
What size recurve bow do I need?
Use your draw length (round up to the nearest half inch), then match it to an overall AMO bow length on the chart — for example about 58 in for draw lengths from 20 to under 22 in. A 25 in riser with short, medium, or long limbs is often a 66, 68, or 70 in bow. Manufacturer charts differ slightly; confirm with a coach or shop.
How much does draw weight change per inch?
Limb ratings are measured at 28 in draw. A common rule of thumb is about 2.5 lb per inch above or below 28 in, with many bows falling roughly between 2 and 3 lb per inch. This calculator shows that range as an estimate only.
What draw weight should a beginner start with?
Many adults do well starting around 20–30 lb at their own draw length — lighter than you think — then moving up as form improves. Youth and teens should ask a coach for a starting weight suited to age and development.
Guidelines only. A coach or club can fit you in person.