HomeCalculatorsSig. Wave Height from Wind Speed

Sig. Wave Height from Wind Speed

Fully-developed seas: H_s ≈ 0.22 · V² / g · f(fetch). Simplified Hasselmann + Pierson-Moskowitz asymptote.

WeatherWaves
Non-dim fetch g·F/V²
21,800 -
Estimated H_s
5.42m
Formula, assumptions, and limits

Fully-developed (PM asymptote) is the left branch; fetch-limited is the right. Use whichever is smaller. Bf 6 (~12 m/s) full → H_s ≈ 3.5 m; Bf 8 (~18 m/s) full → H_s ≈ 7.8 m.

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
10-m wind speedm/sanemometer
Fetch lengthmchart
Significant wave heightmresult