Available measurements of sediment velocity and density indicate that a factor of 600 m s-1 of two-way sediment reflection time will correct seafloor depth to yield basement depth in the absence of sediment loading. This simple linear relation is derived from the results of six deep drill holes in abyssal sediments of the North and South Atlantic oceans. The relation predicts the sediment correction with an accuracy of about 50 m, regardless of the lithology sampled, down to a depth of 1.5 s of reflection time. The COST wells on the U.S. continental shelf and empirical relations among velocity, density, porosity, and depth provide estimates of the deeper behavior of abyssal sediments and suggest that the 600 m s-1 factor continues to provide a satisfactory sediment correction to a depth of 3 s.