Shortboard Size Calculator
Enter your weight and height, your surfing level and the waves you surf most. The calculator works out the shortboard volume in litres from a skill factor, a range to try and a board length.
- Board volume
- Length
- Volume range
Small, weak waves need a little more volume. Big, powerful waves need a little less.
On a shortboard, volume matters more than length. Multiply your weight by a skill factor: about 0.40 litres per kg for an intermediate. A 75 kg intermediate needs about 30 litres. For a 178 cm surfer, boards of about 5'8" to 6'0" suit.
Shortboard volume chart
Average waves. Search for a weight.
| Weight (kg) | New (L) | Intermediate (L) | Advanced (L) | Expert (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 22.5 | 20 | 18 | 16.5 |
| 60 | 27 | 24 | 21.6 | 19.8 |
| 70 | 31.5 | 28 | 25.2 | 23.1 |
| 75 | 33.8 | 30 | 27 | 24.8 |
| 80 | 36 | 32 | 28.8 | 26.4 |
| 90 | 40.5 | 36 | 32.4 | 29.7 |
| 100 | 45 | 40 | 36 | 33 |
| 110 | 49.5 | 44 | 39.6 | 36.3 |
Litres.
Weight and volume
Intermediate, average waves. Slide your weight.
The board grows with the volume.
How to size a shortboard
Weight to litres. Step through it.
Weight
In kg.
Rocker and outline change how a board rides as much as its volume.
Shortboard, fish or hybrid
Board types. Compare them.
Performance.
Small waves.
All round.
A fish or hybrid of the same volume is shorter and wider, and easier in small waves.
Before you buy
Board checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
If you are new to shortboards, a step-down from a bigger board is easier than a jump.
What you get
Shortboard sizing. Each tile explains one result.
Litres.
Feet.
To try.
Skill.
Adjustment.
Wetsuits add weight in cold water, so add a litre or so in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What volume shortboard do I need?
Multiply your weight in kilograms by about zero point four if you are an intermediate surfer.
How many litres for a seventy-five kilogram surfer?
About thirty litres for an intermediate.
Is volume or length more important?
Volume, for paddling and catching waves.
How long should a shortboard be?
Usually within a couple of inches of your height.
What if my shortboard is too small?
You will sink, paddle slowly and catch fewer waves.
Do beginners ride shortboards?
Most start on longer boards and step down later.
Should I add volume in winter?
A little, to carry a thicker wetsuit.
Catch more waves
Ride the right volume for your weight and skill, and you paddle faster and surf more of every wave.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.