English longbow vs Medieval European crossbow
The classic Hundred Years' War debate. On the approximate references used here, the English longbow had an effective range of about 180 metres, more than double the medieval crossbow's 80, and it shot much faster. The crossbow, on the other hand, needed far less training. Both are historical estimates: longbow volleys could carry further and reconstructions vary.
English longbow · 180 m — Medieval European crossbow · 80 m
English longbow reaches about 2.3 times farther than Medieval European crossbow
Both lines start at the same point. Each interval multiplies distance: this is not a trajectory or geographic route.
English longbow *
180 m · reference effective range
Approximate effective-range reference; volleys could exceed it.
Medieval European crossbow *
80 m · reference effective range
Approximate effective-shot reference, not maximum flight distance.
Full scale
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* Estimate, variable figure or condition-dependent envelope. It does not indicate accuracy, effectiveness or effects.
Figures used and how reliable they are
- English longbow*: 180 m. Approximate effective-range reference; volleys could exceed it.
- Medieval European crossbow*: 80 m. Approximate effective-shot reference, not maximum flight distance.
* English longbow and Medieval European crossbow: estimated or disputed figure; it does not come from a verifiable official data sheet and should be read as indicative.
Related comparisons
Compare any other pair in the projectile range comparison, with its full method. More context: Weapons · Military history · All tools
Sources / References
- Royal Armouries and The Metropolitan Museum of Art bow and crossbow catalogues.
- U.S. Army public technical manuals for small arms and artillery.
- BAE Systems and KNDS public sheets for the M777 and CAESAR.
- NATO public ammunition standardisation material.