Home
Back
Tidal Range Formula:
| From: | To: |
Tidal range is the vertical difference between the high tide and the succeeding low tide. It's an important measurement in oceanography that helps us understand how much the ocean level changes between high and low tides.
The calculator uses a simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: By subtracting the low water measurement from the high water measurement, we get the tidal range which shows how much the water level changed between tides.
Details: Understanding tidal range helps sailors navigate safely, helps scientists study marine ecosystems, and helps coastal communities prepare for flooding. Different places have different tidal ranges - some areas have very small ranges while others have extreme differences between high and low tide.
Tips: Enter both high water and low water measurements in meters. Make sure the high water value is greater than or equal to the low water value. The calculator will show you the difference between them.
Q1: What is the biggest tidal range in the world?
A: The Bay of Fundy in Canada has the world's largest tidal range, which can be as much as 16 meters (53 feet)!
Q2: Why do tidal ranges change?
A: Tidal ranges change because of the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, the shape of coastlines, and weather conditions like storms.
Q3: How often do tides change?
A: Most coastal areas experience two high tides and two low tides each day, about 6 hours apart.
Q4: Can tidal range affect animals?
A: Yes! Many sea creatures have adapted to live in the intertidal zone where the water level changes dramatically between high and low tide.
Q5: Is tidal range the same everywhere?
A: No, tidal range varies greatly around the world. Some places like the Mediterranean Sea have very small tidal ranges while other places have enormous ranges.