square law of attrition

The "square law of attrition" in naval warfare, particularly during the age of steam and big guns, describes how an advantage in firepower could compound over time. This mathematical concept suggested that a superior force would see its advantage grow as an engagement progressed.

This principle was amplified by tactics like "crossing the T," where one fleet could bring all its guns to bear on the enemy's lead ships while receiving fire from only a few. The development of fire control technology in the early 20th century significantly increased gunnery range and accuracy, making the concentration of firepower more feasible and the square law more impactful. Battles like Tsushima demonstrated this, where superior gunnery and tactics led to decisive victories.1