Recurve Bow Size Calculator
Determine the correct bow length for your body and shooting style.
What is a Recurve Bow Size Calculator?
A recurve bow size calculator is a specialized tool designed to help archers select the correct length for their recurve bow. Choosing the right size is one of the most critical decisions an archer can make, as it directly impacts comfort, accuracy, and the overall enjoyment of shooting. An incorrectly sized bow can lead to poor form, stacking (a rapid increase in draw weight), and finger pinch, making it difficult to shoot consistently. This calculator uses your personal measurements to provide a reliable recommendation based on industry standards, taking the guesswork out of your selection process. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned competitor, using a recurve bow size calculator ensures your equipment is tailored to you.
Recurve Bow Size Formula and Explanation
While archer’s height provides a rough starting point, the most accurate method for determining bow size is based on the archer’s **draw length**. Draw length is the distance from the nocking point on the string to the throat of the bow’s grip when at full draw. Our recurve bow size calculator primarily uses this value for its recommendation.
There isn’t a single mathematical formula, but rather a set of industry-standard recommendations (often based on AMO, or Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization, standards). The relationship is summarized in the table below:
| Your Draw Length | Recommended Bow Length |
|---|---|
| Under 24″ | 54″ – 62″ |
| 24″ to 26″ | 64″ – 66″ |
| 26″ to 28″ | 66″ – 68″ |
| 28″ to 30″ | 68″ – 70″ |
| 31″ and over | 70″ – 72″ |
If you don’t know your draw length, you can get a rough estimate using the “wingspan method”: measure your arm span from fingertip to fingertip and divide by 2.5. Our calculator can also provide a basic estimate from your height, but measuring draw length is always preferred for accuracy. For more details, see this guide on how to measure draw length correctly.
Practical Examples
Let’s look at two common scenarios to understand how the recurve bow size calculator works.
Example 1: Average Height Archer
- Inputs:
- Height: 69 inches (5’9″)
- Draw Length: 28.5 inches
- Results: Based on the 28.5-inch draw length, the calculator would recommend a bow in the **68″ to 70″** range. A 68″ bow is often the standard choice here, providing a great balance of stability and power.
Example 2: Shorter Archer
- Inputs:
- Height: 63 inches (5’3″)
- Draw Length: 25 inches
- Results: With a 25-inch draw length, the calculator suggests a bow in the **64″ to 66″** range. A 64″ bow would be very comfortable and prevent the stacking issues that could arise from a longer bow.
How to Use This Recurve Bow Size Calculator
- Select Your Units: Start by choosing your preferred unit of measurement, either inches or centimeters.
- Enter Your Height (Optional): Input your total height. The calculator will provide a very rough estimate based on this.
- Enter Your Draw Length (Recommended): For the most accurate recommendation, measure and input your draw length. If you don’t know it, you can leave this blank and rely on the height estimate, but accuracy will be lower.
- Review the Results: The calculator will instantly display the recommended bow length range. The primary result is based on your draw length if provided; otherwise, it’s based on height.
- Interpret the Recommendation: The result is a suggested range. If you are a beginner, choosing a size in the middle of the range is a safe bet. Consulting our best beginner recurve bow guide can also be helpful.
Key Factors That Affect Recurve Bow Size
While our recurve bow size calculator gives a strong recommendation, several factors can influence your final decision:
- Draw Length: As emphasized, this is the most critical factor. A longer draw length requires a longer bow to avoid stacking and ensure a smooth draw cycle.
- Archer’s Height: A general indicator. Taller archers typically have longer draw lengths and feel more comfortable with longer bows, which offer greater stability.
- Shooting Style: Olympic recurve archers often prefer longer bows (70″-72″) for maximum stability and forgiveness, whereas traditional archers or bowhunters might opt for a slightly shorter, more maneuverable bow.
- Riser and Limb Combination: Modern takedown recurve bows consist of a riser (the handle) and limbs. The total bow length is a combination of these two. A standard 25″ riser with medium limbs creates a 68″ bow. Changing to short or long limbs will alter the total length to 66″ or 70″, respectively.
- String Angle and Finger Pinch: A bow that is too short for your draw length will create a very acute string angle at full draw, which can pinch your fingers, making a clean release difficult. A longer bow provides a more comfortable angle.
- Forgiveness: Longer bows are generally more “forgiving” of small errors in an archer’s form. The added mass and length contribute to stability, which is why they are favored in target archery. A draw weight calculator can also help you match the bow’s power to your strength level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. What happens if my bow is too short?
- A bow that is too short for your draw length will “stack,” meaning the draw weight increases exponentially and uncomfortably at the end of the draw. It also causes finger pinch and can be less accurate.
- 2. Can I use a bow that is too long?
- A bow that’s slightly too long is generally better than one that’s too short. However, a bow that is excessively long may feel sluggish and less efficient, as you may not be drawing it to its optimal working range.
- 3. Does this recurve bow size calculator work for longbows or compound bows?
- No. This calculator is specifically for recurve bows. Longbows have different sizing conventions, and compound bows are sized primarily by their draw length adjustment range, not overall length.
- 4. How do I measure my draw length accurately?
- The most reliable way is to use a measuring arrow (often called a draw length shaft) with the help of a coach or an experienced archer at a pro shop. For a good home estimate, check out our guide on how to measure draw length.
- 5. I’m right between two sizes. Which one should I choose?
- If you’re in between sizes, it’s usually recommended to go with the longer option. A longer bow is more forgiving and comfortable to shoot.
- 6. What does AMO length mean?
- AMO (now the Archery Trade Association, or ATA) length is the industry standard for measuring bow length. It’s measured from string groove to string groove along the curve of the unstrung bow’s limbs.
- 7. How does riser length affect the total bow size?
- Total bow size on a takedown bow is determined by the riser length plus the limb length. For example, a 25″ riser with medium limbs makes a 68″ bow. Using the same limbs on a 23″ riser would result in a 66″ bow. Always check manufacturer specifications. For more definitions, see our archery terms glossary.
- 8. Is my height or my draw length more important for this calculation?
- Your draw length is significantly more important. Height is just an easy way to get a rough estimate, but the mechanics of shooting are all dictated by your draw length.