A target face can be 122 centimeters across, while an arrow shaft must stay under a little more than 9 millimeters in diameter. Those numbers matter—but archery doesn’t have one universal equipment chart. Dimensions depend on the discipline, competition rules and, especially for bows and arrows, the archer using them.
Here’s a practical guide to the standard measurements you’re most likely to encounter, with a distinction between official limits and common equipment sizes. World Archery rules provide a useful reference for target archery, but national federations and other disciplines may set different requirements.
Target face dimensions
The colored target face is the most standardized piece of equipment in target archery. Its diameter determines the size of the scoring rings, so the same shot can be easier to place on a larger face than on a smaller one. The target face is attached to a butt; the butt itself can vary in size and construction.
| Target face diameter | Common use | Diameter of the 10-ring |
|---|---|---|
| 122 cm | Outdoor recurve at 70 m; also used at some other outdoor distances | 12.2 cm |
| 80 cm | Outdoor rounds at shorter distances, including compound at 50 m | 8 cm |
| 60 cm | Indoor shooting at 25 m | 6 cm |
| 40 cm | Indoor shooting at 18 m | 4 cm |
These are face diameters, not the size of the whole target butt. A 122 cm face is the familiar Olympic recurve target at 70 meters. At 18 meters indoors, archers may shoot a single 40 cm face or a vertical triple-spot face: three smaller targets stacked vertically. Compound archers commonly use the triple-spot arrangement indoors to reduce the chance that a tightly grouped arrow damages another arrow.
Some outdoor rounds use an 80 cm face with only the higher-scoring rings in play. That changes which parts count, not the face’s overall diameter. Always check the event’s target setup before practicing for a specific round.
Arrow dimensions and fit
World Archery sets a maximum arrow-shaft diameter of 9.3 mm, with the point allowed to be up to 9.4 mm across. That limit helps prevent an unusually wide arrow from gaining an unfair advantage by touching a scoring line. There is no single competition arrow length: it needs to suit the archer’s draw length and bow setup, while meeting the event’s safety and equipment rules.
In practical terms, an arrow should extend safely beyond the bow at full draw. A coach or qualified shop can help measure your draw length and select an appropriate arrow. Don’t choose an arrow by matching a friend’s setup: two archers of similar height can have different draws, and bow styles affect what works.
Arrow length is also different from spine. Spine describes how much an arrow shaft flexes under load; it is not a measurement of the shaft’s length or outside diameter. The correct spine depends on factors such as draw weight, arrow length and point weight.
Bow sizes: what is standard and what is not
For bows, familiar measurements are often product conventions rather than universal rule limits. A recurve bow is commonly described by its overall length, with 66-, 68- and 70-inch setups widely available. With a 25-inch riser, those sizes generally correspond to short, medium and long limb combinations. The right choice depends in part on your draw length; a longer bow can feel smoother for some archers with a longer draw.
Compound bows are usually described by axle-to-axle length—the distance between the axles holding the cams. Many target compounds fall roughly in the 35-to-40-inch range, while hunting models are often more compact. Those are common market ranges, not a single standard size required for every competition.
World Archery rules limit compound bow peak draw weight to 60 pounds in relevant competition categories. That is a weight limit, not a dimension. Recurve bows, risers, limbs, sights and stabilizers do not all have one universal size that every archer must use. Equipment restrictions can also vary by division, so check the rules for your event rather than assuming a measurement from one bow style applies to another.
| Equipment | Useful measurement | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Recurve bow | Often 66–70 inches overall | Common sizes; fit depends on archer and setup |
| Compound bow | Often about 35–40 inches axle-to-axle for target models | Typical range, not a universal competition requirement |
| Compound draw weight | Maximum 60 lb under World Archery rules | A rule limit, not a bow dimension |
| Arrow shaft | Maximum 9.3 mm diameter under World Archery rules | Check the governing rules for your event |
Other equipment measurements
There is no single standard length for a sight, stabilizer, finger tab or quiver that applies across all archery. Some competition rules restrict how particular accessories are used or positioned, while recreational and hunting setups vary widely. If you are buying equipment, treat listed dimensions as part of a bow’s design—not proof that it will fit your draw or comply with every division’s rules.
For a first setup, prioritize fit and safe shooting over matching a standard-looking measurement. An archery shop or coach can check your draw length, bow length, arrow clearance and draw weight together. That matters more than picking a bow simply because it is 70 inches or an arrow because it resembles one used by an experienced club member.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size target is used in Olympic archery?
Olympic recurve archers shoot on a 122 cm target face from 70 meters. The target butt behind the face may be larger; 122 cm refers to the face itself.
How thick can a competition arrow be?
Under World Archery rules, the shaft diameter may not exceed 9.3 mm, and the point may be up to 9.4 mm across. Check the rules for your specific competition and division.
Is there a standard length for a recurve bow?
No single length is required for every archer. Setups around 66, 68 and 70 inches are common, but the suitable bow depends on draw length, limb choice and personal fit.
Are 40 cm and 60 cm targets for different distances?
Common indoor setups use a 40 cm face at 18 meters and a 60 cm face at 25 meters. Some events use multiple small faces arranged together, so confirm the format before competing.
Final Thoughts
The clearest official equipment measurements are the target-face sizes and the World Archery arrow-diameter limits. Bow lengths and many accessory dimensions are better understood as common options than universal standards. If you’re preparing for a competition, check its current rules; if you’re choosing gear, get the bow and arrows fitted to you.
Aiden Cross is a sports writer and editor at BeliveSports, covering a broad range of sports with a focus on clear, accurate, and practical information. His work covers rules, techniques, player roles, competitions, equipment, statistics, and the details that help readers better understand how different sports are played. Aiden takes a research-driven approach to sports writing, using reliable sources and established sporting information to provide context rather than simply repeating surface-level facts. His goal is to make complex topics accessible while maintaining the accuracy and depth expected by knowledgeable sports fans. At BeliveSports, Aiden contributes to the site’s editorial standards by focusing on accuracy, clarity, useful context, and reader-first explanations.