RF Frequency Calculator

Solve radio frequencies using multiple inputs and units easily. Convert to wavelength, period, omega, and LC resonance. Share results with downloadable reports for teams.

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RF frequency inputs
Choose a mode, enter values, and calculate.
Select the input you already have.
Controls displayed precision.
Affects wave speed and medium wavelength.
Positive value required.
Converted into common bands in results.
Used in f = v/λ.
Converted to meters internally.
Used in f = 1/T.
Converted to seconds internally.
Used in f = ω/(2π).
Used in LC resonance formula.
Converted to henry internally.
Used in LC resonance formula.
Converted to farad internally.
Vacuum is 1. Many plastics are 2–3.
Most dielectrics are near 1.
Typical coax: 0.66–0.85 depending on type.

Example data table

Known input Medium Computed frequency Medium wavelength Quarter-wave
λ = 3 m VF = 1.00 ~ 99.931 MHz 3.000 m 0.750 m
T = 10 ns VF = 0.66 100.000 MHz ~ 1.979 m ~ 0.495 m
L=100 nH, C=10 pF VF = 1.00 ~ 159.155 MHz ~ 1.884 m ~ 0.471 m

Examples are indicative and depend on medium selection.

Formula used

Wave velocity in medium
v = c / √(εr μr) Or v = VF × c when using velocity factor.

Frequency relationships
f = v / λ
f = 1 / T
f = ω / (2π)

LC resonance
f = 1 / (2π √(LC))

Derived quantities
λ = v / f
β = 2π / λ
Quarter-wave = λ/4, Half-wave = λ/2

How to use this calculator

  1. Select a calculation mode based on your known quantity.
  2. Enter the input value and choose its unit.
  3. Choose a medium model: permittivity or velocity factor.
  4. For permittivity, enter εr and μr. For VF, enter VF.
  5. Press calculate to get frequency, wavelength, and derived values.
  6. Use quarter-wave and half-wave for quick RF estimates.
  7. Download CSV or PDF to document the calculation.
RF frequency planning notes

1) What “RF frequency” means in practice

Radio-frequency work ties together frequency, wavelength, and timing. A 100 MHz signal has a 10 ns period and a free‑space wavelength near 3.0 m. These linked quantities help you size antennas, estimate line lengths, and sanity‑check oscilloscope timebases.

2) Use consistent units across bands

RF spans many orders of magnitude. Common reference points include 13.56 MHz (industrial/scientific/medical), 88–108 MHz (FM broadcast), 433 MHz and 915 MHz (short‑range devices), 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (Wi‑Fi), and 28 GHz (mmWave). Converting everything to Hz internally avoids mistakes when mixing MHz and ns. Quick check: doubling frequency halves wavelength.

3) Medium speed changes wavelength

Inside cable or dielectric, wave velocity is lower than in vacuum. Using a velocity factor (VF) of 0.66 gives v≈0.66c, so wavelength shrinks by the same factor. At 100 MHz, λ in the cable is about 1.98 m instead of 3.00 m, which directly changes quarter‑wave and half‑wave cut lengths.

4) Permittivity model for materials

When VF is unknown, a simple model uses v=c/√(εrμr). Most non‑magnetic materials have μr≈1, so εr dominates. If εr=2.25, then VF≈1/√2.25≈0.667, close to many polyethylene‑based coax types. Use measured data when accuracy matters because effective εr depends on geometry.

5) Quarter‑wave and half‑wave design cues

Transmission‑line and antenna work often starts with fractions of wavelength. At 915 MHz in free space, λ≈0.328 m, so a quarter‑wave is about 82 mm. In a VF 0.80 cable, quarter‑wave becomes roughly 66 mm. These values guide first‑pass stubs, matching sections, and monopole estimates.

6) Angular frequency and phase constant

Some RF equations use ω and β instead of f and λ. The relationships ω=2πf and β=2π/λ keep the math consistent for sinusoidal steady state. For example, a 2.4 GHz signal has ω≈15.08×109 rad/s, and β depends on the medium wavelength you choose.

7) LC resonance as a frequency source

Resonant tanks, filters, and oscillators are often set by L and C using f=1/(2π√LC). With L=100 nH and C=10 pF, the resonance is near 159.15 MHz. Changing C to 22 pF moves resonance down to about 107.3 MHz, showing why small component shifts matter at RF. Parasitics can shift resonance further above VHF.

8) Document results for repeatability

RF work benefits from traceable calculations. Exporting CSV supports quick comparison across variants, while the PDF summary is useful for build notes and test plans. Always confirm final designs using measured cable VF, real component tolerances, and application‑specific standards.

FAQs

1) Why does wavelength change in a cable?

Signals travel slower in dielectric materials than in vacuum. The velocity factor reduces wave speed, so wavelength shortens by the same factor at the same frequency.

2) Should I use VF or εr and μr?

Use velocity factor if you have cable datasheet values or measurements. Use εr and μr when modeling a material; most dielectrics have μr close to one.

3) Is this accurate enough for antenna cutting lengths?

It is good for first‑pass estimates. Final cut lengths depend on end effects, nearby conductors, and insulation. Always trim and verify with measurements or simulation.

4) What frequency range counts as RF?

In many engineering contexts, RF covers roughly 3 kHz to 300 GHz. The same relationships still apply above and below, but component behavior changes.

5) Why include angular frequency ω?

Circuit and field equations often use ω because derivatives of sinusoids bring out ω. Converting between f and ω avoids mistakes when applying impedance and propagation formulas.

6) How do tolerances affect LC resonance results?

Because f depends on √(LC), small percentage changes in L or C shift resonance noticeably. At high frequencies, parasitics and layout inductance can dominate component nominal values.

7) Does the phase constant β include losses?

No. β here is computed from wavelength in the selected medium model. Lossy lines require complex propagation constants and additional parameters such as attenuation.

Accurate RF frequency planning starts with correct units always.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.