Surfboard Volume Calculator: Find Your Perfect Board
Choosing the right surfboard isn’t just about length and shape—it’s also about volume. Volume, measured in liters, determines how well your board floats, how easy it is to paddle, and how responsive it feels under your feet. With our Surfboard Volume Calculator, you can easily match your board to your weight, surfing ability, and local wave conditions.
Why Surfboard Volume Matters
Picking the wrong volume can make surfing much harder than it needs to be. Here’s why volume is so important:
- Higher Volume: Easier paddling, more stability, and better wave-catching ability—but less maneuverable.
- Lower Volume: Sharper turns and responsiveness, but harder to paddle and less forgiving.
Pro Tip: Beginners usually need more volume for extra buoyancy, while advanced surfers tend to prefer lower volume for speed and control.
How to Use the Surfboard Volume Calculator
- Enter your body weight.
- Select your surfing level: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced.
- Adjust for wave conditions: small, medium, or powerful surf.
- Get your recommended surfboard volume in liters.
Try the Surfboard Volume Calculator
Recommended Volumes by Skill Level
| Skill Level | Volume (Liters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 40–60L | Extra flotation for stability & easy paddling |
| Intermediate | 30–40L | Balanced mix of control and ease |
| Advanced | 25–35L | Performance-focused and maneuverable |
Other Factors That Influence Surfboard Volume
Volume isn’t the only thing that matters—these factors also play a big role:
- Wave Size: Smaller waves often require more liters to help you catch them, while powerful waves allow you to ride lower volume.
- Fitness Level: A fit surfer with strong paddling ability can handle less volume, while casual surfers often benefit from extra buoyancy.
- Board Design: Length, width, thickness, rocker, and rails all influence how volume feels in the water.
Board Type & Volume: What You Should Know
Two boards with the same volume can surf completely differently. Here’s how volume plays out across board types:
- Longboards (50L–80L+): Big and stable, great for beginners and small waves.
- Funboards / Hybrids (40L–55L): A balance of float and maneuverability, ideal for progressing surfers.
- Shortboards (25L–40L): Low volume, built for performance in good waves.
- Fish Boards (30L–45L): Wide and thick for small, mushy surf while still staying playful.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Surfboard Volume
- Going too small too soon: Many surfers rush into shortboards before they’re ready. This makes paddling and catching waves unnecessarily difficult.
- Not adjusting for conditions: A board that works in big waves might feel underpowered in small surf unless you have enough volume.
- Ignoring fitness: Your strength, stamina, and paddling ability affect how much volume you’ll be comfortable with.
Example Surfboard Volumes
Here are some typical surfboard volumes for reference:
- 6’0” shortboard: ~30L
- 6’4” fish: ~38L
- 7’0” funboard: ~48L
- 9’0” longboard: ~65L+
FAQs About Surfboard Volume
What is surfboard volume?
It’s the measurement of how much space a board displaces, shown in liters. The higher the liters, the more buoyant the board.
How do I know if my surfboard has the right volume?
If paddling feels too difficult or you’re struggling to catch waves, you may need more volume. If your board feels too floaty or hard to control, you might want less.
Does surfboard volume replace board length?
No. Volume works together with length, width, thickness, rails, and rocker. The right combination depends on your surfing goals and local conditions.
Is more volume always better?
Not necessarily. While more liters make catching waves easier, too much volume can make a board harder to maneuver, especially in steep or powerful waves.
Can two boards with the same volume feel different?
Yes. A wide fish and a performance shortboard might both be 35L, but they’ll surf very differently because of outline and design features.
Shop Surfboards by Volume
Use our Surfboard Volume Calculator today and find the perfect board for your surfing journey.