Free Space Path Loss Calculator

Your details

Straight-line separation between transmitting and receiving antennas.
km
Signal carrier frequency.
GHz
Gain of the transmitting antenna in dBi (0 = isotropic). Enter a negative value to model a lossy element.
dBi
Gain of the receiving antenna in dBi (0 = isotropic).
dBi
Cable and connector losses between the transmitter and its antenna (positive number).
dB
Cable and connector losses between the receiving antenna and receiver (positive number).
dB
Free Space Path LossHigh path loss
120.05dB

Signal loss in open space between isotropic antennas

Effective Path Loss (link budget)120.05dB
Wavelength0.1249m
Distance (metres)10,000m
Frequency (MHz)2,400MHz
120.05 dB
Very low<60Low-moderate60-100High100-140Very high140+

Free space path loss: 120.05 dB

  • The raw path loss between isotropic antennas is 120.05 dB. Every time the distance doubles, this increases by 6 dB.
  • The signal wavelength is 12.49 cm. Antenna size scales with wavelength.
  • At 2.400 GHz over 10.00 km, this is typical for Wi-Fi, LTE, and point-to-point microwave links.

Next stepCheck your receiver sensitivity and add a fade margin (typically 10-20 dB) to ensure a robust link under real-world conditions.

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