Ideally, an infantry regiment would initially muster ten companies of about 100 men each, for a total of 1000 men. However, relatively few Arkansas regiments managed to achieve that level. On average, an Arkansas infantry regiment would initially muster about 800 men. The 8th Arkansas, however, was a pretty full regiment when it was first organized, a little over 1000 men.

When it was reorganized, taking into account combat losses, and losses due to disease, discharges, transfers, etc., the addition of the depleted companies of the 7th and 9th Battalions just about brought it back up to the strength it had when the war started, a little over 1000 men. In the ensuing campaigns the regiment was whittled back down and never again approached anywhere near 1000 men. In fact, it was field consolidated with other regiments from time-to-time in order to comprise even an under-strength regiment.

From beginning to end, close to 2000 men served under the colors of the 8th Arkansas, though not all at the same time, of course. I hope this helps a little.