Propeller Slip Calculator

Calculate prop slip percentage and analyze propeller efficiency

Second number in prop size (e.g., 14x19 = 19" pitch)
: 1
Common ratios: Outboard 1.75-2.3, Sterndrive 1.5-2.0, Inboard 2.0-3.0

Propeller Analysis

Propeller Slip --
Theoretical Speed --
Actual Speed --
Speed Lost to Slip --
Prop RPM --
Distance per Revolution --

Typical Slip Ranges

Application Typical Slip Status
High Performance5-10%Excellent
Planing Boats10-15%Good
Semi-Displacement15-20%Normal
Heavy Displacement20-30%Acceptable
Overloaded/Wrong Prop30%+Poor

Understanding Propeller Slip

What is Slip?

Slip is the difference between theoretical prop advancement and actual boat speed.

Formula: Slip % = (Theoretical - Actual) / Theoretical x 100

Some slip is necessary - zero slip means no thrust!

Optimizing Slip

Too much slip = wrong pitch or overloaded boat

Increase pitch to reduce slip (if RPM allows)

Consider 4-blade props for better grip in high-slip situations