Coaxial Cable Loss Calculator

Calculate signal attenuation from cable type, length, frequency, and connectors. Compare loss across common coax cable types.

Cable Type

Cable Length

Frequency

MHz

Number of Connectors

Loss per Connector

Tab to move between fields

Total System Loss

3.9 dB

Loss per 100 ft

3.3 dB

Power Delivered

40.74 %

Cable Loss Only3.3 dB

Connector Loss0.6 dB

Loss per Meter0.108 dB/m

Power Lost59.26 %

How to Use This Calculator

Select cable type (RG-8, LMR-400, LMR-600, RG-58, etc.) from the dropdown.
Enter cable length (ft) and operating frequency (MHz).
Set the number of connectors and loss per connector (dB) (typically 0.1-0.3 dB each).
Review total cable loss, connector loss, and total system feedline loss in dB.
Use total loss in your link budget -- consider upgrading to lower-loss cable for long runs.

How the result changes with Cable Length

Cable Length	Total System Loss	Loss per 100 ft	Power Delivered
501	17.13 dB	3.3 dB	1.94 %
1,751	58.38 dB	3.3 dB	0 %
3,250	107.85 dB	3.3 dB	0 %
4,500	149.1 dB	3.3 dB	0 %

Cable Type: 1=RG-58, 2=RG-8/U, 3=RG-213, 4=LMR-240, 5=LMR-400, 6=LMR-600, 7=7/8" Heliax
Cable Length: Total cable run length in feet
Frequency: Operating frequency in megahertz (higher frequency = more loss)
Number of Connectors: Total connector count in the cable run
Loss per Connector: Loss per connector (N-type ~0.15 dB, PL-259 ~0.3 dB, SMA ~0.1 dB)

Total Loss = (Loss/100ft × Length/100) + (Connectors × Loss/Connector)

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Cable Type = 5, Cable Length = 100, Frequency = 450, Number of Connectors = 2 = 5 input(s) provided
Calculate Total System Loss
Total System Loss
3.9 = 3.9
Calculate Loss per 100 ft
Loss per 100 ft
3.3 = 3.3
Calculate Power Delivered
Power Delivered
40.74 = 40.74
Calculate Cable Loss Only
Cable Loss Only
3.3 = 3.3
Calculate Connector Loss
Connector Loss
0.6 = 0.6