Ok-that makes more sense. If you just measured to the front of the bow (side away from shooter), your draw length could vary depending on the bow and style of bow (recurve vs. longbow)as bow thickness would vary.
Thanks for your imput.

I tried the 3R method by just stretching out both arms "as far as I can". I can make my draw length about 2" plus or minus depending on how hard I stretch.  I like the clothes pin or wife method, now that we agreed on where she could stand.

I have always use the clothes pin method myself.

...bd      

With the cloths pin method I'm 2" bigger, very nice

QuoteOriginally posted by browndown:
With the cloths pin method I'm 2" bigger, very nice

Just so you know that only works for the draw length!...          

It is very important the archer be at the correct physical position before measuring the arrow's length.  It is possible, based upon the archer's posture and drawing side back muscles to be at anchor but either too short, just right, or too long drawn.  A new archer or one that is over bowed often is under drawn with the drawing arm elbow too much forward of a line from the bow grip, through the anchor and through the point of the elbow. Most archers overdraw with the elbow in the line or behind (towards the back) this line. I know some archery books show the proper position is with the elbow exactly in line but it should be 1/2-1" in front of this line to allow for back motion (tension is a bad word) to execute the shot so that anticipation and eventual target panic is prevented.

https://archeryintheschools.org/data/nasparchery/commercelite/small_550_51_both%20banners.jpg

The link above would show you a diagram of the archer's drawing arm elbow position at short, correct, and long draw.

Roy Grimes