How Long Should My Arrows Be?

Choosing the right arrow length can be tricky if you’re new to archery or have never had to cut arrows before. After a lot of trial and error — and plenty of arrows — I’ve developed a straightforward approach to determine the optimal arrow length for both hunting and target shooting.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to measure your arrow length, factors that impact it, and how to make sure your arrows are perfectly matched to your setup.

How Long Should My Arrows Be?

The optimal arrow length is typically equal to or slightly longer than your draw length. For most setups, arrow length should be within 0.5 to 1 inch longer than your draw length to ensure proper broadhead clearance and maintain arrow flight consistency.

General Arrow Length Guidelines

• Standard Setup: Cut arrows to match your draw length or extend by 0.5 inches for added safety.
• Broadhead Insert Considerations:
  • If using a standard insert that fits flush to the shaft, extend the arrow length by 0.5 inches.
  • For half-outs and inserts extending 0.5 inches past the arrow shaft, maintain your draw length as the arrow cut length.
• Safety Clearance: To prevent broadhead contact with the rest, broadheads should extend 0.5 to 1 inch past the arrow rest at full draw, particularly when using large fixed-blade broadheads

READ: What is the Best Hunting Arrow Weight (For You)?

How to Measure Arrow Length Correctly

Measuring arrow length isn’t complicated, but accuracy is critical.

• Measure from the throat of the nock (the groove where the bowstring sits) to the end of the arrow shaft, where the insert or broadhead attaches.
• Do not include the broadhead or field point in this measurement.
• This method follows the Archery Trade Association (ATA) standard for arrow length.

Factors That Affect Arrow Length

Factors That Impact Arrow Length

Several factors influence the ideal arrow length for your setup. It’s not just about matching your draw length — arrow length affects speed, spine deflection, and overall performance.

1. Purpose: Hunting vs. Target Shooting

• Hunting Arrows: Often longer and heavier to maximize penetration and kinetic energy. Broadheads require extra clearance beyond the rest.
• Target Arrows: Typically shorter to maximize speed and reduce drag, with a focus on accuracy and consistency.

2. Draw Length

• Your arrow length is primarily determined by your draw length. A shorter draw length requires shorter arrows, while a longer draw length calls for longer arrows.

3. Arrow Spine & Deflection

• Cutting arrows shorter than draw length increases stiffness and often requires a higher spine rating.
• Longer arrows slightly reduce stiffness, but increasing length by more than 1 inch can lead to an underspined arrow, affecting accuracy.

4. Broadhead & Insert Type

• Mechanical Broadheads: Compatible with shorter arrows due to their compact profile.
• Fixed Blade Broadheads: Require longer arrows for sufficient clearance to avoid contact with the riser.

5. Arrow Rest Style & Mounting Position

• Drop-Away Rests: Provide better clearance and work well with longer arrows.
• Whisker Biscuit Rests: Ideal for shorter arrows but may cause broadhead contact with large fixed-blade heads.

Short vs Long Arrows: Pros and Cons

Shorter Arrows

• Pros:
  • Faster arrow speeds.
  • Flatter trajectory for target shooting.
  • Better for mechanical broadheads.
• Cons:
  • Require stiffer spines.
  • Higher risk of broadhead-riser contact.
  • Less forgiving for tuning errors.

Longer Arrows

• Pros:
  • Increased weight for higher kinetic energy.
  • Better penetration and momentum for hunting.
  • More forgiving spine deflection.
• Cons:
  • Slower arrow speeds.
  • Slightly reduced long-distance accuracy.

✅ Pro Tip: For hunting, I recommend erring on the side of slightly longer arrows to ensure broadhead clearance and optimal penetration.

Arrow Rests and Broadheads: Why They Matter

The type of arrow rest and broadhead you use directly impacts your ideal arrow length. Here’s how:

Arrow Rests

• Drop-Away Rests: Best suited for longer arrows and fixed-blade broadheads. Ensure the broadhead extends 0.5 to 1 inch beyond the rest.
• Whisker Biscuit Rests: Tolerate shorter arrows and work well with mechanical broadheads, but require extra caution with fixed blades.

Broadhead Types

• Mechanical Broadheads: Require less clearance, making them ideal for shorter arrows.
• Fixed Blade Broadheads: Need extra space to avoid riser contact. A longer arrow ensures safer operation and reduces the chance of broadhead interference.

Example: My Personal Arrow Setup

Here’s an example of my current hunting arrow setup:

• Bow: Mathews Lift (348 FPS IBO Speed)
• Draw Length: 27.5 inches
• Draw Weight: 65 lbs
• Arrow Weight: 505 grains
• Broadhead: Magnus Black Hornet (Fixed Blade)
• Insert: 100-grain half-out insert extending 0.5 inches past the arrow shaft
• Arrow Length: 28 inches (ATA standard measurement)

I opt for a slightly longer arrow to ensure my broadheads clear the riser and drop-away rest while maintaining optimal arrow spine and weight balance.

How Changing Arrow Length Affects Performance

Even a half-inch change in arrow length can significantly impact:

• Arrow Speed: Shorter arrows fly faster but may sacrifice stability.
• Penetration & Kinetic Energy: Longer arrows often generate more kinetic energy, improving penetration.
• Spine Stiffness: Shorter arrows need a stiffer spine, while longer arrows can flex more, sometimes requiring a lower spine rating.

✅ Pro Tip: Use an arrow spine chart or spine calculator to check your spine rating after adjusting arrow length. With high-speed bows like the Mathews Lift, shorter arrows can exaggerate spine issues and cause broadhead planing.

Impact of Broadhead Weight on Arrow Length and Spine

Changing the weight of your broadhead directly affects both arrow length and spine deflection.

• Heavier Broadheads (125+ grains): Require longer arrows to maintain dynamic spine balance. Consider adding 0.5 inches to the arrow length for optimal performance.
• Lighter Broadheads (100 grains or less): Allow for shorter arrows but still require sufficient clearance from the riser.

✅ Pro Tip: I always test my broadhead setups with various arrow lengths to dial in the best flight dynamics before finalizing my hunting setup.

Fixed Blade Broadhead Clearance and Rest Setup

If you’re using large fixed-blade or cut-on-contact broadheads, ensure they clear your riser and rest properly.

• Drop-Away Rests: Typically provide ample clearance, but verify broadhead extension to ensure at least 0.5 to 1 inch past the riser.
• Whisker Biscuit Rests: May cause issues with broadhead clearance if arrows are cut too short. Slightly longer arrows help maintain proper broadhead clearance.

Heavy Arrow Setups: Length and Dynamic Spine Considerations

If you’re shooting heavy hunting arrows (500+ grains) or aiming for a higher FOC (Front of Center), arrow length becomes even more critical.

• Longer Arrows: Slightly longer arrows balance the added weight and maintain dynamic spine balance.
• Shorter Arrows: May increase arrow speed but often cause inconsistent flight, especially with fixed-blade broadheads.

✅ Pro Tip: For heavy arrows, I recommend extending the arrow by 0.5 to 1 inch beyond your draw length to maintain stability and ensure reliable flight.

Conclusion: How Long Should Your Arrows Be?

By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to determine the correct arrow length for your compound bow. The key points to remember include:

• Match your arrow length to your draw length with slight adjustments for inserts and broadheads.
• Ensure that broadheads extend 0.5 to 1 inch past the arrow rest at full draw.
• Consider your arrow rest, broadhead type, and intended purpose when selecting arrow length.
• Use an arrow spine chart or calculator to verify spine deflection after adjusting the arrow length.

Before cutting arrows, always double-check spine deflection, weight, and clearance. While you can calculate these factors yourself, I recommend visiting a local archery shop for personalized advice if you’re unsure. They can provide expert guidance tailored to your setup and goals.

✅ Bonus Tip: If you’re still deciding on the best arrow weight, check out my guide: What is the Best Hunting Arrow Weight for You?

With the right arrow length and setup, you’ll be on your way to more accurate and effective shots in the field!

Frequently Asked Questions