FPV Range Calculator
Calculate FPV video transmission range from transmitter power and antenna gain. Estimate VTX range for drone FPV flying and antenna setup.
Specialist tool for RC Drones1 documented formula4 real workflowsPrivate in your browser
Use this result well
A quick decision brief for this specific tool
Inputs that matter
TX Power, TX Antenna Gain, RX Antenna Gain, Frequency, and 1 more
Output to expect
FPV Range Calculator
How it works
1 documented formula across 1 calculation mode
- Keep 5 bounded inputs within the limits shown beside the fields.
- Confirm that every value uses the unit and time basis shown before comparing scenarios.
- Change one input at a time to see which assumption materially changes the result.
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Reference & details
How it works
Updated July 2026
How it works
Updated July 2026Free Space Path Loss
Radio signals attenuate with distance and frequency. FSPL increases 6 dB per doubling of distance and 20 dB per decade of frequency.
FSPL (dB) = 20×log₁₀(d) + 20×log₁₀(f) + 32.44 (d in km, f in MHz)Link Budget
Link margin = TX power + TX gain + RX gain − FSPL − receiver sensitivity. Positive margin means reliable link.
Margin (dB) = P_tx + G_tx + G_rx − FSPL − S_rxVTX Power to dBm
Convert mW to dBm: dBm = 10×log₁₀(mW). 25 mW = 14 dBm; 200 mW = 23 dBm; 1 W = 30 dBm.
dBm = 10 × log₁₀(power mW)Updated: July 2026
Example Scenarios
14 dBm + 2 dBi VTX antenna + 2 dBi RX − FSPL − (−90 dBm RX sens): reliable link to ~500 m–1 km line-of-sight on 5.8 GHz.
29 dBm + 2 dBi omni TX + 14 dBi patch RX: extended range to 5–10+ km LOS. Patch must be aimed — off-axis nulls drop signal rapidly.
Trees and terrain add 10–30 dB attenuation beyond FSPL. Halve calculated LOS range in wooded areas; use higher gain RX antenna.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using maximum legal VTX power without upgrading RX antenna
Range is limited by the weaker link end. A high-power VTX with stock dipole RX antenna wastes power — upgrade RX antenna first for range gains.
Mixing RHCP and LHCP antennas
Cross-polarization causes 20–30 dB loss — severe range reduction. Ensure VTX and goggles antennas match polarization and are both RHCP or both LHCP.
FAQ
Line-of-sight with good antennas: 500 m–1.5 km typical. Obstacles, polarization mismatch, and interference reduce range significantly.
Yes — each 6 dB gain doubles range in ideal conditions. High gain directional antennas concentrate signal — must be pointed at the aircraft.
Lower frequencies penetrate better (1.3 GHz > 2.4 GHz > 5.8 GHz) but 5.8 GHz is standard for mini quads with compact antennas. Long-range pilots use 1.3 GHz or 2.4 GHz.
RHCP/LHCP reduces multipath interference from ground reflections, improving clarity more than raw range. Match TX and RX polarization (both RHCP or both LHCP).
Multipath fading, WiFi interference on 5.8 GHz, low receiver sensitivity, and poor antenna placement cause breakup before theoretical FSPL limit.
About FPV Range Calculator
FPV video range depends on VTX power, antenna gain, frequency, obstacles, and receiver sensitivity. This calculator estimates line-of-sight range from transmit power, antenna configuration, and link budget.