Swell Matrix

How to determine surf height from swell height and period

This table will help you estimate how big the waves will be based on the deep water swell height and period. It is only a general guide based on a mathematical formula- every surf spot will take different heights and periods differently. Reference: Airy wave theory and breaker height prediction, Komar & Gaughan. 1972

Surf Height From Swell Height and Period
Period ˅ 1 ft 2 ft 3 ft 4 ft 5 ft 6 ft 7 ft 8 ft 9 ft 10 ft
6 1.6 2.1 3.8 4.7 5.7 6.5 7.4 8.2 9.1 9.9
8 1.8 2.3 4.2 5.3 6.4 7.3 8.3 9.2 10.2 11.1
10 1.9 2.5 4.6 5.8 6.9 8.0 9.1 10.1 11.1 12.1
12 2.1 2.7 5.0 6.2 7.5 8.6 9.8 10.9 12.0 13.0
14 2.2 2.9 5.3 6.6 7.9 9.2 10.4 11.6 12.7 13.8
16 2.3 3.1 5.6 7.0 8.4 9.7 11.0 12.2 13.4 14.6
18 2.4 3.2 5.8 7.3 8.8 10.2 11.5 12.8 14.1 15.3
20 2.5 3.3 6.1 7.7 9.2 10.6 12.0 13.3 14.7 16.0
22 2.6 3.5 6.3 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.5 13.9 15.2 16.6