Surfboard Volume Calculator
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Surfboard volume is a measurement of the amount of water a surfboard displaces, typically measured in litres. It is used as a way to determine the size and appropriate use for a surfboard. Volume is an important factor when deciding which surfboard to buy.
Calculation of surfboard volume is a little tricky due to the wide range of surfboard shapes. Different types of boards will have different volumes. The calculator below will give a rough figure for volume, taking board dimensions and the type of surfboard. An explanation of how the volume is calculated can be found below.
Surfboard Volume Calculator
Length
Width
Thickness
Surfboard Type
How to calculate surfboard volume
To calculate the volume of a surfboard, you will need to measure the length, width, and thickness of the board.
Length, width and thickness measured at widest point
Once you have these measurements, you can use the formula:
Volume = (Length x Width x Thickness) / 1000
This formula converts the measurements from centimetres to litres. Typically, surfboard dimensions are given in imperial, not metric. You’ll normally find measurements in feet and inches, while volume, when given for a board, will be in litres.
You’ll need to convert inches to centimetres for the calculation to work. This is done by multiply the width/length/thickness value by 2.54 (1 inch equals 2.54 cms)
Volume calculation example
If you have a surfboard that is 6 feet (182.88 cm) long, 20 inches (50.8 cm) wide, and 2 inches (5.08 cm) thick, you would calculate the volume as follows:
Volume = (182.88 x 50.8 x 5.08) / 1000
Which is equal to 47.2 Litres
This would be the volume of a surfboard if it were a regular cuboid, and as we know, surfing on a board shaped like that would be impossible. We then need to take into account the shape of the surfboard, and multiply the 47.2 by a factor of between 0.54 and 0.6. Different shapes have different volumes, which is where the uncertainty can come in. Shortboards have less volume, longboards have more.
So, for the final calculation for a shortboard (using the 0.54 factor), the volume would be:
Volume = (182.88 x 50.8 x 5.08 x 0.54) / 1000
Which is equal to 25.4 Litres
This calculation can be used as a guide only. This is a rough approximation and will not be 100% accurate for most boards, and this is due to the differences in shapes and dimensions of individual boards.
Volume vs Dimensions
Volume is dependent on the total board shape. Two surfboards can have the same length, width and thickness as each other while being totally different board shapes. A shortboard is a different type of shape than an egg, and two boards with the same length, width and thickness measurements would likely have significantly different volumes.
The important thing to keep in mind is that the width and thickness of a board is maximum measurement at the widest and thickest point. A surfboard with a sider nose that is consistently thicker along the length of the board would have a greater volume.
Examples of surfboard volume in Litres by surfboard types:
- Shortboards: 22L – 35L
- Fishes: 25L – 45L
- Funboards: 40-60L
- Longboards: 60L – 100L
The list above shows how widely the volume can differ.
It's important to note that the volume of the surfboard is not the only factor in determining the best board for an individual surfer. Other factors such as the surfer's skill level, weight, and wave conditions should also be taken into account when selecting a board.
What volume surfboard do I need?
You need to consider the following factors when choosing a board based on volume.
Your surfing level
A beginner requires a board with lots of volume. This will help the surfer with balance, catching waves and riding waves. As a surfer gets better, volume becomes less important, and boards with less volume but more manoeuvrability will be more appropriate.
Your weight
A heavier surfer will require a board with more volume. Remember, volume == flotation.
What you will be surfing
Small and weak waves will require a board with more volume. It will be harder to pick up and ride weak waves with a lower volume board.
More powerful waves will require less volume.
Very big waves will require big wave boards or guns. These typically have more volume to help when paddling into waves. They also provide the additional stability required to ride big waves.
Volume is not the only factor to consider when choosing a surfboard, there are lots of factors to consider. Whenever considering a new board, it is important to be honest about your ability, your fitness, and the waves you will be surfing on. A competent shaper or surf shop owner should be able to help guide you to make the right board choice.
For more information, head over to our surfboard advice forum.
Surfboard Volume FAQs
What is the ideal surfboard volume for my weight and skill level?
The ideal surfboard volume will depend on your weight, skill level, and the type of waves you plan to surf. Generally, a board with a higher volume will be more stable and better suited for larger or less experienced surfers, while a board with a lower volume will be more maneuverable and better suited for smaller or more experienced surfers.
How does surfboard volume affect performance?
Surfboard volume can affect a board's stability, maneuverability, and wave-catching ability. A board with a higher volume will typically be more stable and better at catching small waves, but may be less maneuverable. A board with a lower volume will typically be more maneuverable and better at catching larger waves, but may be less stable.
Can I increase the volume of my surfboard?
Yes, it's possible to increase the volume of your surfboard by adding volume to the tail or nose, or by adding volume to the rails. However, this is best done by a professional shaper or surfboard manufacturer and would need to be done during shaping. It is not possible to increase volume on a finished board.
How do I measure the volume of my surfboard?
The volume of a surfboard can be measured by measuring its length, width, thickness, and a board type factorial) and then using the formula: Volume = (Length x Width x Thickness x BoardTypeFactor) / 1000. You can find out more about calculating surfboard volume here.
Does surfboard volume affect the buoyancy?
Yes, the volume of a surfboard affects its buoyancy. A board with a higher volume will float better and be more stable, while a board with a lower volume will be less buoyant and less stable.
How does the surfboard volume change depending on the type of waves?
The ideal surfboard volume will depend on the type of waves you plan to surf. In general, for small waves a board with a higher volume is better, for bigger waves a board with a lower volume is better.
What is the most accurate way of finding what volume a surfboard is?
The only accurate way of doing this is by asking the shaper of surfboard manufacturer. Often, surfboard volume is included with the board dimensions.
Worthless
I love this, thank you for sharing! I used it for a few of my boards I know the volume on and it was insanely close, so i feel confident using this for getting an idea of volume on boards where the dims are listed but liters aren't given. I also was able to use your explanation to put it into excel for future calculations. Nice work
I find that when I put the last scale between fish and fun board, I get the most accurate calculation across short boards. Just a tip