the Yangtze River estuary is located in the open sea area,so the waves vary with the seasons and the wave conditions are extremely complex.The design wave elements in the engineering water area are related to the flood control safety of seawall,and have an important influence on the comprehensive regulation project of the Yangtze River estuary.In this study,empirical formulas and mathematical models are used to calculate the waves in the Yangtze River estuary.It can be seen from the research results that the average wave height calculated by the two methods is close,the wave period calculated by the mathematical model is more in line with wave propagation and deformation law,and the wave period calculated by the empirical formula is conservative and more safer for engineering.The advantages and disadvantages of the two methods are compared and analyzed.It is suggested that mathematical model should be used to calculate wave elements in the Yangtze River estuary and empirical formula should be used to check them.If necessary,combined with the measured wave data and physical model,the accuracy of the calculation results can be improved,so as to provide reliable design wave elements for comprehensive regulation project in the Yangtze River estuary.