bsv - The short answer is experience. The total stack of the lams and glass will depend on the design of the bow and lots of things, even in a simple Hill style bow, will dictate the stack you'll need to hit a desired draw weight. Bow length, riser length, length of working limb, limb width and how/when it tapers, amount of taper to the laminations, and weather the bow has a reflexed, straight, or string follow profile. It's always good to take detailed notes on a bow you build that way for the next one you can keep everything the same and the only thing to change to hit a desired draw weight is the total stack of the lams and glass.