Free Space Path Loss Calculator

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Calculate ideal free-space path loss, wavelength, and optional received power for RF, antenna, wireless, satellite, Wi-Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth, and microwave link estimates.

Input Parameters

Frequency

Distance

Transmit Power

dBm

Total Antenna Gain

Tx gain + Rx gain.

Additional Loss

Results

Free Space Path Loss

Wavelength

Estimated Received Power

Field Reference

Equations Used

FSPL: FSPL(dB) = 32.44 + 20log10(fMHz) + 20log10(dkm)

Wavelength: λ = c / f

Received Power: Prx = Ptx + Gains - FSPL - Additional Loss

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is free space path loss?
It is the ideal spreading loss of a radio wave traveling through unobstructed free space.

Q2: Does FSPL include walls or trees?
No. Obstacles, foliage, rain, multipath, polarization loss, and interference must be added separately.

Q3: Why does path loss increase with frequency?
For the same antenna gains and distance, higher frequency gives larger free-space path loss in the standard FSPL equation.

Q4: Can I use this for Wi-Fi distance estimates?
Yes for a first estimate, but indoor Wi-Fi is strongly affected by walls, reflections, antennas, and interference.

Q5: What units should I use?
The calculator accepts common frequency and distance units and internally converts to MHz and kilometers.

Disclaimer: FSPL is an ideal line-of-sight estimate. Real RF links require antenna patterns, polarization, fading, terrain, obstruction, regulatory limits, and receiver sensitivity analysis.

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