Draw Length:

To measure your draw length, determine the length of your arm-span in inches.  Stand with your arms out and palms facing forward.  Don't stretch when measuring.  Just stand naturally.  Have someone else help you, and measure from the tip of one middle finger to the other.  Then simply divide that number by 2.5.  The quotient is your estimated draw length (in inches) for your body size

If you are a person of average proportions, your arm-span will be roughly equal to your height (in inches).  So there is often a direct correlation between a person's height and their draw length as well.  Once you have computed your draw length using the method above, you can double-check yourself by using the scale below - to see if your number is within the expected range.

The majority of compound bow owners set their bows for too much draw length, which results in poor shooting form - inaccuracy - and painful string slap on the forearm.  You will better enjoy - and be more successful with your new bow when it is fitted properly to your body.  If in doubt, choose a little LESS draw length rather than a little more.

Draw Weight:

There are several factors to consider here, beyond just brute strength.  First and foremost, we strongly recommend that you choose a draw weight that is COMFORTABLE for you and suitable for your particular purpose.  Particularly for the purposes of recreational archery, a bow with too much draw weight will simply make you less successful and the sport less enjoyable.  A good rule-of-thumb is to choose a draw weight that requires about 75% of your "maximum" strength.  If your bow is too heavy, and you can only shoot a few times before you're fatigued, then you'll be reluctant to practice and improve your game.  But you also want your bow to shoot with as much speed and power as possible, so you shouldn't choose too little weight either.  Again, the right balance between comfort and performance - for YOU - will probably be at your "75%" mark. 

Observing this rule-of-thumb is especially important for some guys who just can’t resist their "He-Man" impulses to try to shoot heavyweight bows.  Many guys seem determined to prove their super-human strength by yanking and jerking these 70+ pound bows until they're on the verge of a hemorrhage.  In spite of the strain, most guys will still choose bows which have too much draw weight. Some compound bows are actually available up to a 100# draw weight.  And while there may be some specific applications where such a bow may be necessary (African big-game hunting perhaps), for the vast majority of bow hunting and recreational archery applications, a super-heavyweight bow is completely unnecessary (commonly referred to as being "over-bowed"). 

However, you may not want to choose an excessively light draw weight either (being "under-bowed").  Heavier draw weights will undoubtedly yield better kinetic energy (penetration) and quicker arrow velocities with less parabolic arc in flight.  In fact, some states require a compound bow to meet certain draw weight minimums in order to hunt large game like Whitetail Deer.  Check with your state's governing agencies, and always observe the rules and regulations for legally harvesting game in your state.

The "archery muscles" used to draw a bow are primarily large muscle groups in your upper back (the same muscles you use to row a boat or pull-start a lawn mower).  Most people don't specifically work to exercise these muscles.  So you will probably find that once you do put them to work, your "archery muscles" will gain strength quickly and drawing your bow will become easier over time.  Fortunately, most compound bows come with at least 10 lbs. of draw weight adjustment.  So if you are a new shooter, you may wish to begin with your bow set at a lower draw weight - and gradually "crank-up" the draw weight as you become more conditioned.

Here are some general guidelines for choosing an appropriate draw weight.  Of course, each individual is different.  You should apply your common sense here and interpret this chart with due respect to your own age, general physical condition, and Body Mass Index (BMI).