How to Measure Longbows

A longbow differs from a regular bow in that the longbow is approximately the length of the archer using it, and it does not have any wheels or sight windows like compound and recurve bows. In the Middle Ages, longbows were used primarily as a weapon for hunting or fighting, but now these hand-drawn wooden bows are often used for distance and target shooting. When a longbow is unstrung, it is almost perfectly straight, but when the string is affixed, the bow curves.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Longbow
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the string from the longbow. Let the longbow sit for one hour to adjust. Because the string pulls down on both sides of the bow to make the curve, the longbow needs time to return to its original state.

    • 2

      Measure the longbow from the string notches on the top of the bow to the string notches on the bottom of the bow; use a tape measure. This measurement is your bow length. The bow should be roughly the same height as the archer for accurate performance.

    • 3

      Subtract three inches from the length of your bow to determine the length of string needed. The string must be shorter to make the bow bend to the correct shape once attached.