dB/dBm/Watts Converter

Convert between power units used in RF and telecommunications.

Quick dB Addition/Subtraction

Common Power Levels

dBm Watts Application
-1100.1 pWWeak GPS signal
-8010 pWGood WiFi signal
-5010 nWStrong WiFi signal
01 mWBluetooth Class 2
20100 mWWiFi typical
301 WWiFi max/handheld radio
375 WAmateur VHF/UHF
4320 WCellular base station
50100 WAmateur HF/FM broadcast
601 kWAM broadcast

Decibel Quick Reference

Key Conversions

  • +3 dB = 2x power
  • +10 dB = 10x power
  • +20 dB = 100x power
  • -3 dB = 1/2 power
  • -10 dB = 1/10 power

Formulas

dBm = 10 × log₁₀(P/1mW)

P(mW) = 10^(dBm/10)

dBm vs dBW

dBW = dBm - 30

dBm = dBW + 30