The expression of signal to noise ratio (SNR) is derived for the individual echo sounder and for the general specifications of commercial echo sounder. The SNR is depicted by several factors on transmitting and receiving, sound propagation, scattering by fishes, and mainly self ship noise. The detection ranges of echo sounders in depth and breadth are derived by finding the border of an acceptable SNR. The detection ranges are computed for the echo sounders of individual and general specifications. Generally, the detection range is lager for low frequencies. Increasing an electrical power and a diameter of transducer is not as effective for high frequencies as for low frequencies to increase the detection range. The theoretical results of the detection range can be applied to design low electrical power echo sounder for coastal use, to select an appropriate echo sounder, to know the capability of a sounder, and to interpret echograms. A method for evaluating and designing low electrical power echo sounder is developed. A universal diagram for the basic design of the low electrical power echo sounder where SNR is plotted against frequency is developed. An appropriate frequency, transducer diameter, and beam width are easily determined by using the diagram.