This paper presents a method to estimate the wavemaking resistance of ships at the preliminary design stage. The effect of prismatic curves on the wavemaking resistance is investigated theoretically. From the investigation, an estimation formula is obtained by combining the theoretical formula of wavemaking resistance and test results of about 100 ship models with statistical analysis. Examples of estimation of wavemaking resistance of a variety of ship forms, e. g. a cargo liner, a general cargo ship and a passenger cargo ship are given. It is shown that the reliability of the formula is sufficient for preliminary design of ships. It is also demonstrated that the formula is very effective for improvement of ship hull forms.