Reading a tide table means identifying, for a specific location and date, the high and low tide times and the predicted tide height for each tide extreme.
This information helps you understand when the water level is expected to rise, fall, or reach a high or low point.
What a tide table shows
A tide table usually displays the date, the location, the tide extremes, and the water height in meters. On a typical day, there may be two high tides and two low tides, although this pattern varies by region.
The most important thing is not to look at the numbers individually. The tide time, tide type, and tide height should always be interpreted together.
How to identify high tide
High tide is the moment when the water reaches a high point during the tidal cycle. In the table, it appears as High Tide or High, along with its time and predicted height.
At the beach, this can mean less exposed sand. For boats, it can indicate greater water depth, but safety depends on many other factors.
Check this information in the app
With Tide Table, you can view tide times, tide heights, and the daily tide chart for your selected location.
How to identify low tide
Low tide is the moment when the water reaches its lowest point during the tidal cycle. In the table, it appears as Low Tide or Low.
In some places, low tide exposes rocks, sandbars, or natural tide pools. Even so, wind, waves, and the local terrain also influence conditions.
How to interpret tide height
The tide height indicates the predicted water level relative to the reference used by the data source. It helps you compare one tide time with another within the same location.
A greater tide height does not automatically mean better or worse conditions. Its significance depends on the activity, the location, and the conditions on that day.