A two-dimensional vertically integrated numerical model has been used to study residual, that is, mean and low-frequency (<0.5 cycles per day) currents, in the Gulf of California. The model is forced at the mouth with the most important tidal constituents, allowing them to interact through the nonlinear terms. Previous nonlinear models of the gulf were forced only with the most energetic M2 constituent. The mean residual currents obtained with the semidiurnal constituents are all of the same order (1--2 cm s-1) as those obtained with the M2 alone and are larger by an order of magnitude than those produced by the diurnal components. The time-mean residual obtained with all seven constituents is very close to that obtained with only the M2. When several constituents are included simultaneously, fluctuating residuals arise in the model through nonlinear interactions. The fortnightly variation produced by the interaction of M2 and S2 constituents is the most important, and it is of the same order of magnitude as the time-mean residual. The model shows that time-averaged residuals can effectively be computed from the M2 component alone, whereas the fluctuating residual, which is equally important, requires the inclusion of the S2 constituent as well. This computations with only the M2 and S2 constituents yield a very good approximation for computing tidally induced residual currents in the Gulf of California. ¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union