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FPV Range Calculator

Calculate FPV video transmission range from transmitter power and antenna gain. Estimate VTX range for drone FPV flying and antenna setup.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
TX Power, TX Antenna Gain, RX Antenna Gain, Frequency, and 1 more
Output to expect
FPV Range Calculator
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Free 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_rx

VTX 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

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.