Draw Length Calculator
Free draw length calculator. Enter your wingspan or height to estimate your compound bow draw length, then check it against the signs of a correct fit.
Measure yourself
Stand against a wall, arms straight out, palms forward. Don’t stretch.
Height is a rougher estimate because arm length varies. Use wingspan if you can.
Handheld releases anchor further back, so many archers add about ½ inch.
Your estimated draw length
Try 27.5″ to 28.5″ and confirm by shooting.
Bows we’ve reviewed that fit
How the Draw Length Calculator Works
This Better Outdoors draw length calculator uses the method most archery pro shops start with: measure your wingspan in inches and divide by 2.5. If you can’t measure wingspan, height works as a stand-in because most adults have a wingspan within an inch or two of their height. The result is rounded to the nearest half inch, because that is how most modern compound bow cams adjust.
| Wingspan | Estimated draw length |
|---|---|
| 60" | 24" |
| 63" | 25" (25.2") |
| 65" | 26" |
| 68" | 27" (27.2") |
| 70" | 28" |
| 73" | 29" (29.2") |
| 75" | 30" |
| 78" | 31" (31.2") |
Confirm Your Number at Full Draw
A calculator gets you close. Your body gets the final vote. At full draw with your real release, check that:
- The string lightly touches the tip of your nose and the corner of your mouth
- Your bow arm has a soft bend, not a locked elbow
- Your front shoulder stays down and relaxed
- Your release hand sits behind your jaw at a repeatable anchor
If you are stretched, go ½ inch shorter. If your anchor is crowded and your elbow is bent sharply, go ½ inch longer. Our 2016 PSE draw length adjustment guide walks through moving cam modules step by step, and the same logic applies to most brands.
Helpful gear for checking fit
Wrist-Strap Release
Adjustable strap length lets you fine-tune fit by small amounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my draw length?
Measure your wingspan from fingertip to fingertip in inches with your arms straight out, then divide by 2.5. A 70-inch wingspan gives a 28-inch draw length. Confirm the result by shooting.
Is draw length the same as arm length?
No. Draw length is measured from the nocking point to the pivot point of the grip plus 1.75 inches, at full draw. It depends on arm length, shoulder width and anchor style.
Can I use my height to find draw length?
Yes, as a rough estimate. Height divided by 2.5 works for many adults because wingspan is usually close to height, but measuring wingspan is more accurate.
What happens if my draw length is too long?
You will feel stretched, your bow arm locks, the string may slap your forearm and your groups open up. Shortening by ½ inch usually helps.
Should a draw length be different for a release aid and fingers?
Often slightly. Handheld releases anchor further back than wrist-strap releases, so many archers run about ½ inch more draw with a handheld release.
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