How To Calculate The Volume Of A Surfboard
Wondering what the heck "volume" is when it comes to surfboards?
You're not alone. The volume of your surfboard is typically measured in litres and represents how much foam (or space) it contains.
Understanding how to calculate surfboard volume is crucial when choosing your next surfboard, as it affects buoyancy, paddling ease and stability in different wave conditions.
Most boards already list their volume, but knowing how to calculate it yourself is helpful if you’re comparing two surfboards with the same dimensions, shaping a new board or simply want to nerd out on sleds.
Here's our deep dive into the importance of volume and the most accurate way to measure it!
Surfboard Dimensions and Our Formula for The Ideal Volume
There isn’t one single surfboard volume calculator that works for all surfboard shapes. This is because shapes vary widely. However, a commonly used volume calculator formula is:
- Volume = Length × Width × Thickness × Shape Factor
- Length, width and thickness are typically measured in inches
- The shape factor (sometimes called the Whitney Guild Factor or just the Guild Factor) accounts for the surfboard’s curves and outline
- In a nutshell, the Guild Factor stipulates that one litre floats one kilogram of weight
- This changes depending on your skill level
- For example, a more experienced surfer won't need 1 kilogram to float, while a true beginner might need more
Step-by-step measuring guide
- Use a tape measure to determine the length of your board from nose to tail
- Measure the width at the board’s widest point
- Measure the thickness at the thickest part, typically the midpoint
- Multiply the three together and then multiply by your shape factor (around 0.5 for most boards)
- Divide by 61.024 to convert the result to litres
This gives you an accurate estimate of the volume of your surfboard and helps when deciding on your ideal surfboard volume for your surfing level, age, ability and the types of waves you plan to surf.
Explore different surfboard shapes and models in our full surfboard collection.
What Is The Purpose Of Calculating The Volume Of A Surfboard?
You might ask, “Why is volume such a big deal?”
Well, volume is a key factor that influences performance, comfort and ease of paddling. It determines how well your board glides and responds under your feet. And when buying online (where you're unable to hold or feel the board), it's a great indicator of how it will float.
Calculating surfboard volume helps you determine the best match for your ability and fitness so you can catch more waves and enjoy a smoother, more balanced surf experience. The ideal surfboard volume isn’t one-size-fits-all... it changes with your body weight, strength, experience and preferred wave conditions.
Greater Buoyancy
A board with more volume provides more buoyancy, allowing it to float higher in the water. This is particularly useful for a heavier surfer or anyone who wants to paddle and catch waves with less effort. More buoyancy also makes it easier to stay balanced when learning or surfing slower, mushier summer waves.
Stability and Support
Stability is directly linked to the volume of your surfboard. A higher volume board, with more surface area and thickness, helps keep you upright even in bumpy or unpredictable wave conditions. This stability is why higher-volume boards are recommended for beginners and those still building confidence.
Easier Paddling
When a board sits higher on the water, there’s less drag and resistance. A higher-volume board glides smoothly, requiring less energy when paddling. This helps you get into waves earlier and conserve energy (which means longer sessions).
Speed
Thanks to the lift from more buoyancy, there’s less water drag, meaning you can maintain better speed while paddling or trimming across a wave. This is especially helpful when chasing smaller or slower waves where glide is everything.
Higher Volume Board vs. Lower Volume Boards
This isn't such a common distinction when you're choosing surfboards. You'll most likely seek out a specific shape before narrowing down volume.
That said, choosing between a higher or lower volume surfboard depends on your surfing level, goals and the wave conditions you surf most often. Your ideal surfboard volume will vary depending on how you want the board to feel and perform.
Note that high and low volume are relative to your skill level. What might be low volume for you could be high volume for someone else and vice versa.
Higher Volume Boards
Boards with more volume make paddling easier and help you feel more stable. They’re perfect for beginners or surfers who want to focus on catching more waves without working too hard. Think summer days, mushy beach breaks and gutless reefs or points.
Soft tops, mid-lengths, longboards and fish shapes are all great examples of higher-volume designs. They’re forgiving, buoyant, and ideal for surfers who prefer a relaxed, cruisy style or are returning to the water after a break.
Lower Volume Boards
Lower volume boards offer less buoyancy but more control and agility. They’re great for intermediate and advanced surfers who want quicker turns and tighter lines on larger waves.
While they’re less stable and require stronger paddling ability, lower-volume boards are better for performance-focused surfing where responsiveness is key. Think tubes, steep faces and Indo-quality waves.
Which Board To Use For Wave Type
Wave conditions also influence the right board for you. Different types of waves require different levels of control, float and speed.
Small Waves
Go for a board with higher volume. It’ll give you more buoyancy and help you catch waves more easily, allowing you to float over fat sections and generate speed even when the waves are weak.
Medium And Intermediate Waves
A board with moderate volume offers the best of both worlds. It provides enough float for paddling power but still performs well for turns and manoeuvres across different types of wave conditions.
Bigger And Hollower Waves
For larger waves or heavier surf, choose a board with less volume but volume nonetheless (in and around the chest specifically). Lower-volume boards give you better manoeuvrability, speed control and responsiveness when dropping into steep faces or powerful sections.
FAQ About Calculating Surfboard Volume
How do I match board volume to my skill level?
Your skill level plays a big role in finding the right volume. Beginners generally need more volume for stability and easier paddling. As your experience level improves, you can move to a board based more on performance than buoyancy.
Is there a recommended volume-to-weight ratio?
A common idea is to use a 1:1 ratio. One litre of volume for every kilogram of body weight. This isn’t a hard rule, but it’s a useful starting point for your volume calculation.
How is the calculation affected by different board types?
Different surfboards are designed with different goals in mind. For example, fish boards are suited to smaller waves and usually pack more volume into a shorter shape. Performance shortboards have less volume and are better suited to experienced surfers in better conditions.
How many litres should I aim for if I’m unsure?
If you’re unsure, start by using your weight in kilograms as a base in litres. From there, you can adjust up or down depending on your fitness, skill level and the wave types you’re riding. It’s always a good idea to talk to a surf expert or use a detailed surfboard volume calculator for extra guidance.
Discover Our Surfboard Range
Ready to find your next surfboard? Explore Natural Necessity’s collection of surfboards for all surfing levels. From soft tops and longboards to high-performance shortboards and fish.
Protect your finished board and keep it in top condition with our range of surfboard covers, designed for travel and everyday use.
Whether you’re calculating your ideal surfboard volume for your first board or upgrading to a new board for larger waves, we’ll help you choose the right equipment so you can surf better and feel confident every session.
