Two (Salamis in 480 BCE and Ecnomus in 256 BCE) occurred in the Classical Era, when ancient sources frequently exaggerated the numbers involved in warfare. These include Herodotus, a key source for information on Salamis. Figures for Cape Ecnomus are similarly dubious. Comparable doubts may be raised about the enormous figures given in connection with the battles of Red Cliffs, Yamen and especially Lake Poyang. In contrast, battles fought in modern times are correspondingly well-documented.

n pre-modern battles, large actions involved numerous small galleys, rather than larger vessels like battleships or cruisers. Two battles between the Ottoman Empire and Venice are candidates for the battle with the largest number of ships-of-the-line. In the Action of July 8, 1716, near Corfu, 87 ships were present, although most of them did not take an active part in the fighting. The following year, 85 ships took part in the Battle of Matapan.

Most larger fleet battles of the age of sail involved 20