Arrow length = Shaft length??

“Arrow length” is generally measured from the groove of the nock to the cut end of the shaft, not including the point. “Shaft length” is usually the actual length, cut-to-cut, not including the nock or point. Your “draw length” is measured at full draw position from the string to the deepest part of the grip plus 1 3/4”.

You don’t necessarily “want your arrow length to be 1-2 inches longer than draw length”. It depends on many factors.

For example, with a compound/release and a rest that sits back of the pivot point, your arrow length could be several inches shorther than your draw length. A barebow shooter might want a longer arrow to reduce gap. An indoor compound shooter with extremely large diameter arrows may need them very long to weaken the spine. An Olympic style shooter might want them to be close to the same so he can use a clicker without an extension plate. A bowhunter might want longer arrows for broadhead clearance.

It is, as you say, better for a beginner to go longer than shorter, simply for safety reasons or to allow for increases in draw length as you develop your form. But best is to get someone who knows about equipment to help you personally determine what arrow length to use.

When you do order arrows to be cut, you need to clearly specify if you are referring to the shaft length (cut to cut) OR the arrow length (nock groove to cut). If you use the term “arrow length”, which includes the nock, you should specify exactly which model nock, because they do vary in length. Best to specify shaft length cut-to-cut when ordering, to eliminate confusion.