How Far Is 20 Yards in Archery? Distance Guide for Beginners

If you’re new to archery, you’ve probably seen “20 yards” pop up everywhere — on range signs, in lesson descriptions, and in forum threads about getting started. So how far is 20 yards in archery, exactly? It’s 60 feet (about 18.3 metres), and it’s the single most common shooting distance you’ll encounter as a beginner. Here’s everything you need to know about 20 yards, why it matters, and what it actually feels like to shoot it at an indoor range in Scarborough.

How Far Is 20 Yards in Archery?

Twenty yards converts to exactly 60 feet, or roughly 18.3 metres. To picture it, think of about a city bus and a half laid end to end, or the distance from home plate to just beyond the pitcher’s mound on a baseball diamond. For archers, 20 yards sits in the short-to-mid range — close enough that a properly set-up bow lets a beginner land arrows on the target face with good instruction, but far enough that form and consistency genuinely start to matter.

Why 20 Yards Is the Standard Indoor Distance

If you shoot indoors, 20 yards (along with its metric cousin, 18 metres) is the distance you’ll see most often. Indoor ranges are built around this length for a few practical reasons:

• Space efficiency — 20 yards fits comfortably in most warehouse-style facilities, including Toronto’s largest indoor archery, airgun and knife throwing range at 40 Continental Place in Scarborough.
• Beginner-friendly — the target is still large enough to hit consistently while you lock in your stance, grip, and release.
• Competition standard — many indoor leagues and tournaments shoot 18–20 yards, so practicing at this distance prepares you for real events.

What 20 Yards Looks Like at OnPoint Archery

At OnPoint Archery, our indoor lanes are set up so beginners and experienced shooters alike can work at controlled distances. When you book a 1-Hour Archery Intro ($39.99/person), your NCCP-certified coach starts you close to the target and gradually steps you back toward the full 20-yard line as your form improves. Because the range is fully indoors, you get the same conditions every single time — no wind, no rain, no fading light — which is a huge advantage when you’re trying to build consistent groupings through a Toronto winter.

How 20 Yards Compares to Other Common Distances

It helps to know where 20 yards sits in the bigger picture of archery distances:

• 10 yards (30 ft) — where most kids and first-timers take their very first shots.
• 20 yards (60 ft) — the standard beginner and indoor practice distance.
• 30–40 yards — common outdoor practice range; arrow drop becomes much more noticeable.
• 50–70 metres — Olympic recurve competition distances, a completely different challenge.

Does 20 Yards Feel Hard at First?

Honestly? The first time you stand at 20 yards, the target can look a little small. That’s completely normal. What surprises most beginners is how quickly it starts to feel manageable once you have solid coaching. A few lessons focused on your anchor point, grip, and follow-through usually turn “can I even hit this?” into “I just grouped three arrows together.” If you’re ready to build that confidence, our archery lesson packages (starting at $199 for six one-hour sessions) are designed exactly for that progression.

Quick Tips for Shooting 20 Yards Indoors

• Trust your sight picture — don’t chase the arrow; focus on a consistent anchor point and let the shot repeat itself.
• Dress for a range, not the weather — indoor archery means comfortable, non-baggy clothing year-round, even when it’s snowing outside in Scarborough.
• Keep your arrows consistent — mismatched arrows will scatter even at 20 yards; a coach can help you pick the right spine.

Ready to see 20 yards for yourself? Book your session online and we’ll have a coach and all the equipment waiting for you at 40 Continental Place, Scarborough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is 20 yards in metres?

20 yards is approximately 18.3 metres. It’s the indoor-range equivalent of the 18-metre distance used in many international indoor competitions.

Is 20 yards a good starting distance for beginners?

Yes. Most beginner programs start archers closer (around 10 yards) and work up to 20 yards as their form improves. Twenty yards is widely considered the standard beginner distance.

Why do indoor archery ranges use 20 yards?

Indoor ranges use 20 yards because it fits well inside a building, is beginner-friendly, and closely matches the 18-metre distance used in many indoor competitions.

Do I need my own bow to shoot at 20 yards?

No. At OnPoint Archery, all equipment is provided for beginner sessions, so you can try 20 yards without buying any gear first.