The maximum height of a wave is called the wave height. It's measured as the vertical distance between the crest (highest point) and the trough (lowest point) of the wave.

Here are some important points to consider:

* Wave height is not the same as wave amplitude: Amplitude is half the wave height, measured from the equilibrium level to the crest or trough.

* Wave height depends on several factors: Wind speed, duration, fetch (distance over which the wind blows), and water depth all influence wave height.

* Significant wave height is a more common measure for a group of waves. It's the average height of the highest one-third of the waves in a given period.

Let me know if you'd like more detail on any of these aspects!