Cellular Link Budget Calculator
Calculate received cellular signal power (RSRP) from transmitter parameters, antenna gains, and losses.
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Inputs
Live
Math
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Related
Enter parameters and click Calculate to view results
Formula & Theory
Pr (dBm) = Pt + Gt + Gr - Path Loss - Other LossesThis formula is used to calculate antenna parameters for cellular link budget calculator.
Overview
The Cellular Link Budget Calculator determines received signal power (Pr / RSRP), Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP), and net link margin for cellular networks (4G LTE and 5G NR). RF network engineers use this tool to dimension cell coverage radii, estimate indoor building penetration losses, and optimize base station site deployments.
Input Guide
Enter Transmit Power (Pt), Transmit Antenna Gain (Gt), Receive Antenna Gain (Gr), Path Loss, Other Losses (Cable, Body, Fade) exactly in the units shown by this cellular link budget. Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.
- Transmit Power (Pt) — use dBm.
- Transmit Antenna Gain (Gt) — use dBi.
- Receive Antenna Gain (Gr) — use dBi.
- Path Loss — use dB.
- Other Losses (Cable, Body, Fade) — use dB.
Output Guide
The results describe the calculated cellular link budget values for the inputs you entered. Check each value against the available space, selected components, feed system, and operating conditions before making a final design decision.
How This Calculator Works
The Cellular Link Budget uses Pr (dBm) = Pt + Gt + Gr - Path Loss - Other Losses. Supply Transmit Power (Pt) (dBm), Transmit Antenna Gain (Gt) (dBi), Receive Antenna Gain (Gr) (dBi), Path Loss (dB), Other Losses (Cable, Body, Fade) (dB) in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this wireless communication design or analysis.
Design Notes
A cellular link budget sums all power gains and deducts all propagation losses along the transmission path: $P_r\text{ (dBm)} = P_t + G_t + G_r - \text{Path Loss} - \text{Losses}$. Transmitter power ($P_t$) and base station antenna gain ($G_t$) establish the EIRP. Path loss is dictated by empirical models (such as 3GPP TR 38.901, Okumura-Hata, or COST 231), while additional loss terms account for feeder coaxial cable loss, body loss, building penetration loss, foliage attenuation, and shadow fading margins.
Build and Tuning Notes
When planning 4G/5G cell coverage, ensure the calculated received signal power ($P_r$) stays above the UE receiver sensitivity threshold (typically $-100\text{ to }-120\text{ dBm}$ for LTE RSRP) with a $10\text{--}15\text{ dB}$ log-normal shadow fading margin. Validate drive-test data against link budget models using specialized RF planning software (like Atoll or Forsk) and calibrate propagation model exponents based on real-world drive test measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Link Budget in cellular network engineering?
A link budget is an accounting of all power gains and losses from the transmitter (base station eNodeB/gNodeB) through the radio propagation medium to the receiver (user equipment / mobile device). It determines maximum cell coverage range and link reliability.
What is the difference between EIRP and Transmit Power?
Transmit Power ($P_t$) is the raw RF power generated at the transmitter output terminals. EIRP (Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power) incorporates antenna gain ($G_t$) and cable losses to measure total directional radiated power: $\text{EIRP} = P_t + G_t - \text{Cable Loss}$.
How does 5G NR frequency (FR1 vs. FR2 mmWave) impact the link budget?
Higher frequencies suffer substantially greater Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) and building penetration loss. While Sub-6 GHz (FR1) provides broad coverage, mmWave (FR2) requires high-gain Massive MIMO beamforming arrays to compensate for high path loss.
What is Shadow Fading Margin and why is it included in 'Other Losses'?
Shadow fading accounts for signal blockage caused by terrain features, buildings, and trees. Adding a $10\text{ to }15\text{ dB}$ shadow margin ensures $90\%\text{ to }95\%$ cell edge coverage probability across the target service area.
Alex Warren
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
Alex specialises in antenna design and wave propagation. His expertise helps ensure these calculators present practical RF concepts, useful design estimates, and clear engineering guidance for students, HAM operators, and wireless professionals.