Dipole Antenna Length Calculator

Calculate half-wave dipole element length from target frequency. Includes quarter-wave, full-wave, and 5/8-wave lengths.

Target Frequency

MHz

Velocity Factor

Wire Gauge (AWG)

Tab to move between fields

Half-Wave Dipole (Total)

3.21 ft

Each Dipole Leg

1.6 ft

Half-Wave Dipole (Total)0.98 m

Each Dipole Leg0.49 m

Quarter-Wave Vertical1.6 ft

Quarter-Wave Vertical0.49 m

Full Wavelength6.41 ft

5/8-Wave Vertical4.01 ft

Wavelength1.951 m

Wire Diameter1.628 mm

Full Wave M1.95

Five Eighths M1.22

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your target operating frequency (MHz).
Set the velocity factor (0.95 for bare wire, lower for insulated wire).
Select wire gauge (AWG) -- thicker wire has slightly lower velocity factor.
Review the half-wave dipole total length and each leg length in both feet and meters.
Cut wire to the leg length dimension and adjust with an antenna analyzer for best VSWR.

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Formula

Length (ft) = 468 / f(MHz)

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