Weather tools

Wave Height and Period Calculator

Estimates wave height and period based on wind speed, fetch (distance over which the wind blows), and wind duration.

Before you use this tool

Use this if

  • Estimates wave height and period based on wind speed, fetch (distance over which the wind blows), and wind duration.
  • You want a calculation that exposes its formula: Wave Height ≈ (Wind Speed² * Fetch) / 1000 (Adjustments required for wind duration and other factors). Wave Period ≈ √(Fetch / Wind Speed) (Simplified example. More complex formulas are used in practice.)
  • You already have Wind Speed, Fetch, Wind Duration values to enter.

Skip this if

  • You need an official emergency alert or life-safety instruction.
  • You need a certified professional forecast instead of a calculator estimate.
When to use or skip it

Use this if

  • Estimates wave height and period based on wind speed, fetch (distance over which the wind blows), and wind duration.
  • You want a calculation that exposes its formula: Wave Height ≈ (Wind Speed² * Fetch) / 1000 (Adjustments required for wind duration and other factors). Wave Period ≈ √(Fetch / Wind Speed) (Simplified example. More complex formulas are used in practice.)
  • You already have Wind Speed, Fetch, Wind Duration values to enter.

Skip this if

  • You need an official emergency alert or life-safety instruction.
  • You need a certified professional forecast instead of a calculator estimate.