What Size Recurve Bow Do I Need? (Recurve Bow Sizing Chart)

Shopping for your first recurve and stuck on one question: what size recurve bow do I need? You are asking exactly the right thing. Picking the correct recurve bow size is one of the most important — and most overlooked — decisions a new archer makes. Get it right and the bow feels smooth and forgiving. Get it wrong and it feels harsh, pinches your fingers, and scatters your arrows.

Here is the problem: most charts just slap a single number on your height and call it done. But bow size is really about your draw length, not just how tall you are. Two people the same height can need different bows. That is why so many beginners buy a recurve that is too short, then wonder why it stings their fingers and shoots poorly. The fix is simple once you understand the rule.

In this guide, you will learn exactly how to choose the right recurve bow length using your draw length, why size matters so much, and a clear sizing chart you can trust. We will cover how length affects accuracy and comfort, how to measure your draw length, and the common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will know precisely which size recurve to buy — no guessing. Let us size you up.

What Does “Recurve Bow Size” Mean?

When archers talk about recurve bow size, they mean the bow’s total length from tip to tip, measured along the bow — called the AMO length. Common recurve sizes are 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70 inches. A “68-inch recurve” is 68 inches long.

This length matters because it controls how smooth and forgiving the bow feels at your draw. A longer bow has a gentler draw and a more forgiving shot; a shorter bow is more maneuverable but harsher and less forgiving, especially for longer draws.

Most beginner recurves are “takedown” models, where the riser (handle) and limbs come apart. Takedown bows are sized by combining a riser length (usually 23, 25, or 27 inches) with short, medium, or long limbs. A great feature: you can swap limbs later to change draw weight or even length. To see common sizes and prices, you can see takedown recurve bow options on Amazon.

“Recurve bow size is not about looking cool with a big bow — it is about matching the length to your draw so the bow shoots smooth and forgiving for you.”

Why Bow Size Matters So Much

Picking the right length affects nearly everything about how your recurve shoots. Here is why it is a big deal:

• Smoothness. A properly sized bow draws smoothly to your anchor. Too short, and it “stacks” — getting suddenly much harder to pull near full draw.
• Finger pinch. A short bow creates a sharp string angle at full draw that pinches your fingers. The right length keeps a comfortable angle.
• Forgiveness (accuracy). Longer bows are more stable and forgive small form errors, so your groups are tighter.
• Comfort. The right size simply feels better to shoot, so you practice more and improve faster.

The golden rule: when in doubt between two sizes, go longer. A slightly long bow is forgiving and comfortable; a too-short bow fights you on every shot. Want a quick recommendation? Our Bow Size Calculator suggests a length from your draw.

Recurve Bow Size Chart

Here is the trusted sizing guide based on your draw length. This is the chart most pro shops use.

If you fall between two sizes, choose the longer one for a smoother, more forgiving shot. This chart works for adults and teens; kids have their own guidance below.

How Draw Length Sets Your Size

Your draw length is how far you pull the string back to your anchor point, and it is the single biggest factor in bow size. A bow needs to be long enough that, at your full draw, the limbs are not over-bent and the string angle stays comfortable.

Think of it like a fishing rod. A short rod bent hard is stiff and harsh; a longer rod bends smoothly. A bow that is too short for your draw is like that overbent short rod — it stacks, pinches, and feels rough. The right length flexes smoothly all the way to your anchor.

This is why height alone is not enough. Two people who are both 5’10” can have different arm spans and draw lengths, so they may need different bow sizes. Always size by draw length, not just height. Not sure what yours is? Use our Draw Length Calculator to find it in seconds.

How to Measure Your Draw Length

Finding your draw length is quick and easy. Here are two ways:

1. The arm span method. Stand with arms stretched out in a T. Have someone measure fingertip to fingertip in inches, then divide by 2.5. That number is a close estimate of your draw length.
2. The bow shop method. A pro shop uses a special draw-check arrow on a light bow to measure your exact draw at full anchor. This is the most precise.

For buying a recurve, the arm-span estimate is plenty accurate. Once you know your draw length, match it to the chart above. Our Draw Length Calculator does the math for you and is a great starting point.

Short vs Long Recurve: The Trade-Off

Length is a balance. Here is what you gain and give up with each.

For target shooting and learning good form, longer is usually better. For traditional hunting in tight cover, a slightly shorter bow can be handy — but never shorter than your draw length comfortably allows.

Sizing for Kids and Youth

Kids grow fast, so sizing is about fitting their current draw length while leaving a little room. Here is a rough guide:

• Young children (ages 6–9): short bows around 48–54 inches with very light draw weights.
• Older kids (10–13): 54–62 inch bows.
• Teens: often fit adult sizes (62–68 inches) depending on draw length.

A takedown recurve is perfect for growing archers — you can add longer or heavier limbs as they grow, instead of buying a whole new bow. Always prioritize a light, comfortable draw weight for safety and good form.

Step-by-Step: Pick Your Recurve Size

1. Measure your draw length (arm span ÷ 2.5, or use our calculator).
2. Match it to the size chart above.
3. Round up if between sizes for a smoother, more forgiving bow.
4. Consider your use. Target/learning leans longer; tight-cover hunting can go a touch shorter.
5. Choose a takedown model so you can adjust limbs later.
6. Pick a comfortable draw weight too — light to start, then build up.

Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Mistake: Sizing by height only. Ignoring draw length. Fix: Always size by draw length — it is what really matters.
• Mistake: Buying too short. Causing stack and finger pinch. Fix: When in doubt, size up.
• Mistake: Over-bowing on weight. Too-heavy draw ruins form. Fix: Start light; build strength over time.
• Mistake: Skipping the takedown option. Having to rebuy as you grow. Fix: Choose a takedown so you can swap limbs.
• Mistake: Guessing draw length. Fix: Measure it with the arm-span method or our calculator.

Pro Tips

• Longer = more forgiving. If accuracy is your goal, lean toward the longer size.
• Takedown bows grow with you. Swap limbs for more weight or a different length later.
• Match your arrows too. Arrow spine depends on draw length and weight — check our Arrow Spine Calculator.
• Try before you buy at a range if you can — feeling the draw makes the right size obvious.
• Brace height matters too. Once you have your bow, set it right — see our brace height guide.

“The most common recurve mistake is buying too short. A bow that fits your draw feels effortless — one that does not will frustrate you every single session.”

Real-Life Examples

The finger-pinch fix. Tom bought a 62-inch recurve with a 29-inch draw. It stacked hard and pinched his fingers raw. He switched to a 70-inch bow, and suddenly the draw felt smooth and his accuracy jumped.

The smart starter. Aisha measured her draw at 26 inches and chose a 66-inch takedown recurve. It fit perfectly, and when she got stronger, she added heavier limbs to the same bow — no rebuy needed.

The growing kid. Twelve-year-old Leo started on a 54-inch youth bow. As he grew, his dad moved him to a 62-inch takedown and added length and weight over two years. One bow grew right along with him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size recurve bow do I need?

Choose your recurve length by draw length: a 28-inch draw fits a 68-inch bow, shorter draws need shorter bows, and longer draws need longer ones. If you are between sizes, go longer for a smoother, more forgiving shot.

Does height determine recurve bow size?

Not directly — draw length does. Two people the same height can have different draw lengths and need different bow sizes. Always size your recurve by your measured draw length, not height alone.

Is a longer recurve bow more accurate?

Generally yes. Longer recurves are more stable and forgiving of small form errors, which tightens groups. Shorter bows are more maneuverable but harsher, especially for longer draw lengths.

What size recurve bow for a 28-inch draw?

A 28-inch draw length fits a 68-inch recurve bow well. If you prefer extra smoothness and forgiveness, a 70-inch bow also works great. Avoid going much shorter than 66 inches for that draw.

What happens if my recurve bow is too short?

A too-short recurve “stacks” — getting suddenly harder to pull near full draw — and pinches your fingers with a sharp string angle. Both hurt comfort and accuracy. Sizing up fixes it.

Can I change a recurve bow’s size later?

With a takedown recurve, you can swap to longer or shorter limbs to adjust length (and draw weight). That flexibility is a big reason takedown bows are ideal for beginners and growing archers.

Final Verdict + Checklist

Choosing the right recurve bow size comes down to one thing: your draw length. Match it to the chart, round up if you are unsure, and pick a takedown model so you can adjust later. The right size makes your bow smooth, forgiving, and a joy to shoot.

Your sizing checklist:

• ✅ Measure your draw length (arm span ÷ 2.5).
• ✅ Match it to the recurve size chart.
• ✅ Round up if between two sizes.
• ✅ Choose target-length (longer) for forgiveness.
• ✅ Pick a takedown recurve to grow with you.
• ✅ Start with a light, comfortable draw weight.
• ✅ Confirm with our Bow Size Calculator.

Ready to choose? New to recurves? Read archery for beginners or compare the types of bows, then browse our recurve bow reviews.