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Calcimator

Fiber Optic Loss Budget Calculator

Calculate total fiber link loss from cable length, connectors, splices, and splitter losses. Includes safety margin for reliable link design.

Inputs

km
dB

Results

Total Link Loss

3.35 dB

Total + 3 dB Margin

6.35 dB

Cable Attenuation1.75 dB
Splice Loss0.2 dB
Connector Loss1.4 dB
Splitter Loss0 dB
Fiber Attenuation Rate0.35 dB/km
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Cable Length (km) and select Fiber Type & Wavelength to set the attenuation rate (dB/km).
  2. Enter Number of Splices and Number of Connectors in the link.
  3. Add Splitter Loss (dB) if passive optical splitters are in the path (e.g., PON networks).
  4. Review Total Link Loss (dB) and Total + 3 dB Margin — the margin version is what you compare against your optical power budget.
  5. If Total + 3 dB Margin exceeds your transceiver's power budget, reduce link length, use fewer connectors, or upgrade to a higher-power transceiver.
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Formula

Total Loss = (Length × dB/km) + (Splices × dB/splice) + (Connectors × dB/connector) + Splitter Loss

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