The buoy does not actually measure the height of the wave, instead an onboard 3 axis accelerometer measures the speed of rise and fall and the duration in seconds and an then computes a theoretical distance in feet or meters that represents wave height. They are fairly accurate estimates of wave height from top to bottom. The best indicator they provide is contained in the "dominate wave duration column. waves of over 4 and 5 second duration are big.

Another factor to consider in wind wave calculations aside from "Fetch" or the distance the wind affects the water is air temperature. A 15 knot NE wind on an 85 degree day will provide minimal water displacement however the same wind on a 40 degree day will provide significant waves.