Using The Yard Stick Method :

1. Get a yard or meter stick.
2. Rest one end of the stick on your chest, then with the yardstick between your hands, extend both arms fully. 
Have someone see where your finger tips end up on the yard stick, then add 1 inch. 
This will be your draw length.




Using The Wingspan/Height Method :

Draw Length is the distance from the nock point to the throat of the grip plus 1 3/4".   Typically, this length will also be about the same length of arrow needed by the compound archer.  

To measure your draw length, stand with your back to a wall stretching your arms out against the wall. Measure the distance from the end of your middle finger to the end of your other middle finger, basically the length of both arms, hands and chest.  This measurement, minus 15 then divided by 2, is your draw length.   

Resist the temptation to make your draw length longer than it should be, as this will affect your accuracy.  

Your wingspan typically is the same as your height in inches.  So your height in inches minus 15 and then divided by 2 will be your draw length, or at least a very good starting point.





LONG DRAW SHOOTERS:


SHORT DRAW SHOOTERS:




Will a string loop change my draw length? :

Since the draw length is the distance from the nock point to the throat of the grip plus 1 3/4", adding a string loop cannot change the bow's draw length.  BUT, it will change your anchor point moving it back 1/2" to 3/4".  This will make it feel like your draw length is longer.  If you want your same anchor point, then you will need to shorten the bow's draw length by about a 1/2" to move your anchor point back up to your preference.



Draw Weight :

Draw Weight is the peak amount of weight an archer will pull while drawing the bow.  With a traditional bow, the draw weight continues to increase as the bow is drawn.  A compound bow will increase to the peak weight, and then drop in weight to the holding weight.  The holding weight is typically 20-30% of the peak weight.  So a 60# compound bow will only hit 60# for period in the draw cycle, and then will drop down to perhaps a 15# holding weight at anchor. This allows the archer to hold on target much longer than a traditional bow, whose archer would be holding the full 60#s.  High performance bows will stay at this peak weight longer during the draw cycle thus storing more energy but typically creating a harsher draw cycle.  

Compound bows are adjustable over a 10 to 15 # range.  The weight listed is with the limbs bottomed out, or at the maximum peak weight.  So a bow listed at 70#'s is adjustable from 60-70#, and sometimes 55-70#.  

A new archer will be able to pull about 10 pounds more weight with a few weeks of regular practice as previously little used muscles gain strength.

Resist the temptation to pull too much draw weight.  It isn't fun to shoot when drawing the bow is a struggle.  It also is not good for your shoulders and other joints.  Bowhunters will find they may not be able to draw their bow in cold weather or sitting in awkward positions.  A modern 60# compound is capable of killing any North American big game, from elk to moose and certainly more than capable of taking deer.


Note:  Not all bows are created equal regarding draw weights.  High-performance compound bows with hard-cams and high IBO speeds will "feel" as if they are heavier, since the bow's powercurve is more aggressive (ramping to peak weight more quickly and letting-off later).  Bows with round-wheels or soft-draw cams will similarly "feel" a little lighter, as the bow's powercurve is smoother and more gradual.