Wooden sailing ships in the British navy were classified into several categories:
- First-rate - carrying 100 or more guns
- Second-rate - 90 to 100 guns
- Third-rate - 80-84 guns
- Fourth-rate - 60-74 guns
- Fifth-rate - 32-40 guns
- Sixth-rate - less than 32 guns
Ships were also classified by the number of masts, decks, and the style of rigging.