Free Space Path Loss Calculator

Calculate the signal attenuation over distance in free space using the Friis transmission equation.

Free Space Path Loss
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dB
Wavelength
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Frequency (MHz)
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Distance (km)
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Loss per Decade
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dB

FSPL at Common Distances

DistanceFSPL (dB)

Understanding Free Space Path Loss

Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) is the attenuation of radio energy between two antennas in an unobstructed line-of-sight environment. It follows the inverse-square law.

FSPL (dB) = 20*log10(d) + 20*log10(f) + 32.44

Where d is the distance in kilometers and f is the frequency in MHz. Every doubling of distance adds approximately 6 dB of path loss, and every doubling of frequency also adds 6 dB.

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