Sail Area to Displacement Ratio Calculator

Calculate and analyze your boat's sail area to displacement ratio for performance assessment.

ft²
kg

Understanding SA/D Ratio

  • <16: Heavy cruising boats
  • 16-18: Moderate cruising boats
  • 18-20: Performance cruisers
  • >20: Racing and high-performance boats

Note: Higher ratios indicate better light wind performance but may require more frequent reefing in stronger winds.

Comparing hulls? Get the Performance & Design Pack

Hull speed, design ratios, prop sizing and stability. Standard formulas, done right. From A$24.99 (approx. US$15).

See what's inside

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good SA/D ratio?

SA/D ratios typically range from 10-15 for cruising boats, 15-20 for cruiser-racers, and 20-30+ for racing boats. Higher ratios mean more sail power relative to weight.

How is SA/D ratio calculated?

SA/D = Sail Area (sq ft) / (Displacement in lbs / 64)^(2/3). In metric: SA/D = SA (sq m) / (Displacement in kg / 1025)^(2/3) × 3.28².