The growth rate function is necessary to determine the energy transfer from wind to waves. Analytically, the growth rate function is determined from the Phillips model, for which the mean velocity profile over water surface is important. The analytical model of Phillips using logarithmic form of the mean velocity profile has not been successful. In the present study, two different mean velocity profile models have been used. One of them, based on a mixing length formulation, is found to be appropriate. This profile is related to the sea state, through two approaches, thus enabling the growth rate function from the analytical model to be linked to the sea state. The growth rate function obtained from the analytical model, using this profile, is found to be comparable to that obtained from empirical relations based on pressure measurements when a correction is made to one of the Phillips coefficients. / M.S.