Anchor Line (Rode) Calculator
Calculate the proper anchor line scope, chain length, and rope length based on water depth and conditions.
Inputs
ft
Results
Scope Ratio
7:1
Total Rode Needed
133 ft
≈ 9 car lengths
Chain Length15 ft
Rope Length118 ft
Depth + Freeboard19 ft
Minimum Scope7:1
Swing Radius153 ft
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the water depth in feet at your planned anchoring location.
- Select the expected weather conditions: calm, moderate (15-25 kt), or storm (25+ kt).
- Choose your rode type: all chain, all rope with chain leader, or chain-plus-rope combo.
- Read the recommended scope ratio, total rode length, chain length, and rope length.
- Use the swing radius output to ensure enough clear water around your anchor.
What each input means
- Water Depth
- Depth of water at the anchoring location in feet.
- Weather Conditions
- Expected weather conditions while anchored.
- Rode Type
- Type of anchor rode setup on your boat.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input ParametersWater Depth = 15, Weather Conditions = 2, Rode Type = 3 = 3 input(s) provided
- Calculate Scope Ratio7 = 7
- Calculate Total Rode NeededTotal Rode Needed133 = 133
- Calculate Chain LengthChain Length15 = 15
- Calculate Rope LengthRope Length118 = 118
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