Wondering what a surfboard's volume is? Pop in its dimensions and I'll estimate the volume. It's handy for buying, selling, or just knowing what you ride.
4 Soft-top or hard-top?
Suggested volume based on your weight and current level.
| Weight | Just starting | Catching green waves | Turning | Consistent cutbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 lb41 kg | 54 L | 45 L | 41 L | 31 L |
| 110 lb50 kg | 58 L | 54 L | 45 L | 37 L |
| 130 lb59 kg | 58 L | 54 L | 45 L | 37 L |
| 150 lb68 kg | 68 L | 58 L | 54 L | 45 L |
| 170 lb77 kg | 72 L | 68 L | 58 L | 54 L |
| 190 lb86 kg | 72 L | 68 L | 58 L | 54 L |
| 210 lb95 kg | 76 L | 72 L | 68 L | 58 L |
| 230 lb104 kg | 80 L | 76 L | 72 L | 68 L |
These numbers are averages. Use the surfboard size calculator to get a tailored suggestion.
Typical volume for common board types, from a shortboard to a longboard.
| Board | Typical size | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Performance shortboard | 6'0" × 18.75″ × 2.38″hard-top | 30 L |
| Everyday shortboard | 6'2" × 19.5″ × 2.5″hard-top | 34 L |
| Fish / groveler | 5'8" × 20.5″ × 2.5″hard-top | 33 L |
| Hybrid | 6'6" × 20.75″ × 2.6″hard-top | 39 L |
| Funboard | 7'2" × 21.25″ × 2.85″hard-top | 49 L |
| Mid-length | 7'6" × 21.5″ × 2.9″hard-top | 52 L |
| Longboard | 9'0" × 22.75″ × 3″hard-top | 69 L |
| Beginner soft-top | 8'0" × 22.5″ × 3.25″soft-top | 75 L |
Pop your exact dimensions in the calculator above for a more accurate estimate.
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Surfboard volume is measured in liters (L). It tells you how much foam is in the board, and more liters means more float, so the board paddles easier and catches more waves.
A surfboard's volume comes from its length, width, and thickness, adjusted for how full the board's shape is. A soft-top holds more foam than a thin hard board of the same size, so shape matters too. Enter your board's dimensions above and the calculator estimates the volume in liters.
Many surfboards have the volume stamped on the deck near the tail or the stringer. If yours doesn't, enter its length, width, and thickness above and the calculator will estimate the volume for you.
Estimating volume from dimensions lands within a liter or two of a board's real volume. The exact figure also depends on the board's rocker and rail shape, so if the volume is printed on your board, use that number instead.
The volume you need depends on your weight and your ability, not just the board itself. The surfboard volume chart above gives a recommended volume in liters for your weight and skill level, and the size calculator dials it in exactly.
Find your weight down the side and your skill level across the top, then read off the recommended volume in liters where they meet. More volume floats more and catches more waves, so a beginner wants a higher number and you ride a bit less as your surfing improves.