Surfboard Size Calculator
Enter your weight, your surfing level, your fitness and the type of board you want. The calculator gives the volume in litres, a range to shop in and a suggested length.
- Volume in litres
- Skill-based guild factor
- Length by board type
Weight is with your wetsuit on. Add 5% to 10% volume for cold water or if you surf only a few times a year.
Volume is the number that matters most. A board's volume decides how well it floats you, how easily it paddles and how soon you catch waves. Beginners need lots of volume to paddle and stand up. As you improve, less volume lets the board turn and sink into the wave.
Surfboard volume chart
Litres by weight and ability. Search for your weight.
| Weight (kg) | Beginner | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 45 | 30 | 21 | 18.5 | 17 |
| 60 | 54 | 36 | 25.2 | 22.2 | 20.4 |
| 70 | 63 | 42 | 29.4 | 25.9 | 23.8 |
| 80 | 72 | 48 | 33.6 | 29.6 | 27.2 |
| 90 | 81 | 54 | 37.8 | 33.3 | 30.6 |
| 100 | 90 | 60 | 42 | 37 | 34 |
| 110 | 99 | 66 | 46.2 | 40.7 | 37.4 |
These are average fitness figures. Surf more often and you can use the lower end of the range.
Weight and volume
Average fitness. Slide the rider weight.
Most beginners start on a 7 to 9 ft soft-top of 60 to 90 litres. It catches waves easily and is safe in a crowd.
How to choose a surfboard size
Volume first, then shape. Step through it.
Weigh in
With your wetsuit.
Rent or borrow boards of different volumes before buying. A few litres can make a big difference to how a board feels.
Longboard, funboard or shortboard
Shape changes how a board surfs. Compare them.
Long and stable. Catches small waves early and glides.
A middle size that is easy to paddle but still turns.
Short and narrow for fast, sharp turns in good waves.
Fish boards pack a lot of volume into a short, wide shape. They are a popular step down from a funboard.
Board buying checks
Before you hand over money. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
On a used board, press around the deck and rails. Soft spots and brown stains mean water has got into the foam.
What you get
Numbers to shop with. Each tile explains one result.
Litres for your weight and level.
Five percent either side.
Suggested for the board type.
Litres per kg for your level.
Typical for the shape.
Most board makers print the volume on the stringer or near the fins. Search by litres, not just length.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What volume surfboard do I need?
Your weight in kg times a factor for your level: about 0.9 for beginners, 0.42 for intermediates and 0.37 for advanced surfers.
What size surfboard for a beginner?
A 7 to 9 ft soft-top with 60 to 90 litres of volume.
What size surfboard for a 75 kg intermediate?
About 31 to 32 litres, often a 6'6" to 7'6" funboard or fish.
Is length or volume more important?
Volume. Length, width and thickness together decide it.
What is a guild factor?
The litres of volume per kg of body weight that suit your surfing level.
Should I add volume for cold water?
Yes, 5% to 10%, because a thick wetsuit adds weight and stiffness.
How do I know if my board is too small?
You struggle to paddle into waves and the board sinks when you sit on it.
Catch more waves with the right board
Find your volume from weight and level, then choose the shape for the waves you surf. Start with plenty of float and step down as you improve, and you will spend more time riding and less time paddling.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.