google "stu millers spine calculator" I use it all the time to get me in the ballpark. I have read a lot here lately suggesting sanding to adjust spine, but I do that by changing point weight. I sort of disagree (respectfully) with pearly- this stuff matters with self bows just as much as any other bow. The formulas involved can be difficult to apply because self bows are difficult to measure for the centershot measurement, but using the above program can take a lot of the guess work out- leaving you to tinker with the fine tuning. As others have said, trial and error is a good way, but the program can get you in the ballpark.