The present paper investigates some models able to fit a regular wave field, acting a distinction among theoretical methods, derived from Stokes theory, and engineering approximations. The validity of the different methods was tested by using experimental results. The investigated methods are Fenton solution for Stokes V order waves, Koyama and Iwata linear and modified methods, Wheeler and Chakrabarti methods both at first and second approximation order and linear method applied in frequency domain. The results obtained from experimental researches carried out in the two-dimensional wave flume of the Water Engineering Department of Bari Polytechnic show that, among the engineering approximations, the linear in frequency domain method is able to evaluate the wave field with good approximation even in sections near the breaking zone.