Target Scaling

Target Scaling

Sometimes moving closer is not enough. If you shoot a smaller-diameter arrow than the reference arrow, simply changing distance does not preserve both the sight picture and the line-cut advantage, because the target itself also needs to be scaled.

This calculator starts with a reference setup (arrow diameter, distance, and ring sizes), then recommends a print percentage and shooting distance so your practice setup matches the experience you are trying to copy. If your space is constrained, it can still recommend the best practical scale for that fixed distance and show how far that setup deviates from a true exact match.

Practice Goal

More information

This tool calculates how to scale and position targets so practice difficulty stays consistent when arrow diameter changes.

See the math

There are two different things people mean by "same difficulty":

  • Line-cut advantage (scoring geometry): how likely the arrow is to touch a line relative to ring size.
  • Aiming difficulty (sight picture): how big the rings look at a given distance.

This tool uses a reference setup (max arrow + reference distance + reference ring sizes), then computes a print scale and (optionally) a recommended distance for your arrow.

Variables
a₀ = reference arrow OD (in)
d₀ = reference distance (yd)
R₀ = reference ring diameters (in)
a₁ = your arrow OD (in)
d₁ = your distance (yd)
S = print scale factor (unitless), where print % = 100·S
Rₚ = printed ring diameters (in)
1) Same line-cut advantage
Keep the arrow-to-ring ratio constant:
S = a₁ / a₀
Rₚ = R₀ · S
2) Same aiming difficulty
Keep the apparent angular size of the rings the same:
S = d₁ / d₀
Rₚ = R₀ · S
3) Exact match (both)
a₁ / a₀ = d₁ / d₀
d₁* = d₀ · (a₁ / a₀)
S = a₁ / a₀
If distance is fixed, best practical compromise scale: Sbest = √((a₁ / a₀) · (d₁ / d₀))
Mismatch calculation
sᵣ = a₁ / a₀
sᵈ = d₁ / d₀
mismatch % = |(sᵈ / sᵣ) − 1| · 100
Your Rules:

Your Setup

Enter your arrow OD (in)
Measure OD with calipers, or use manufacturer OD (not ID).
Tolerance (%)
How close counts as "true-to-scale."
Distance mode
Range mode is great for garages (e.g., 10–16 yd). We'll find the best yardage within your range.
Your distance range (yd)
PRINT TARGET AT
—%
Printed X-ring: —
Where to stand: —
Enter your arrow OD + distance range, then press Calculate.
DIFFICULTY VS REFERENCE
—
Easier Same difficulty Harder
VISUAL (LETTER PAPER + TARGET)
Rings are drawn on a Letter-size page (8.5×11). Dashed = reference (100%). Solid = printed at your %.

Closest Common Distances

These show how close each common yardage is to the best equivalent distance for your arrow.

Printing Directions (Letter 8.5×11)

Use these steps to print BowBars faces correctly on a standard home printer.

Five Spot Face

Download/print ALL 5 Spot Options from the product page: BowBars Five Spot

⬇ Or Download Single Five Spot PDF here

  1. Open the PDF/print file from the page.
  2. Set Paper size: Letter (8.5×11).
  3. Set Scale to —.
  4. Turn off "Fit to page."
  5. Print and verify ring sizes against the reference list above.

Vegas Face

Download/print ALL Vegas Face targets from the product page: BowBars Vegas Face

⬇ Or Download Standard Vegas Face PDF here

  1. Open the PDF/print file from the page.
  2. Set Paper size: Letter (8.5×11).
  3. Set Scale to —.
  4. Turn off "Fit to page."
  5. Print and verify ring sizes against the reference list above.
Reminder: This calculator uses outside-of-line diameters for all rings.
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