Phased Array Gain Calculator

The Phased Array Gain Calculator helps RF engineers, antenna designers, radar engineers, satellite communication specialists, 5G network planners, microwave engineers, researchers, and students evaluate the performance of linear and planar phased array antennas. By entering the operating frequency, array geometry, element spacing, element gain, array efficiency, scan angle, scan-loss exponent, and transmit power per element, the calculator estimates realized array gain, broadside gain, ideal directivity, array factor gain, scan loss, EIRP, beamwidth, effective aperture, grating lobe limits, far-field distance, Fresnel boundary, and overall array dimensions. It is widely used for AESA radar, 5G Massive MIMO, satellite communication, beamforming systems, electronic warfare, radio astronomy, airborne radar, and advanced microwave communication systems.

Enter Center Frequency (f), Array Rows (N_y), Array Columns (N_x), X Element Spacing (d_x/λ), Y Element Spacing (d_y/λ), Single Element Directivity, Array Efficiency (η), Scan Angle (θ_scan), Element Scan Loss Exponent (k), Power per Element (Tx Module) exactly in the units shown by this phased array gain. Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.

• Center Frequency (f) — use GHz.
• Array Rows (N_y) — use elements.
• Array Columns (N_x) — use elements.
• X Element Spacing (d_x/λ) — use λ.
• Y Element Spacing (d_y/λ) — use λ.
• Single Element Directivity — use dBi.
• Array Efficiency (η) — use %.
• Scan Angle (θ_scan) — use °.
• Element Scan Loss Exponent (k).
• Power per Element (Tx Module) — use dBm.

The results describe the calculated phased array gain 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.

The Phased Array Gain uses G(θ) = G_0 + 10log10(N) + 10log10(η) + 10log10(cos^k(θ_scan)) | R_ff = 2D^2 / λ. Supply Center Frequency (f) (GHz), Array Rows (N_y) (elements), Array Columns (N_x) (elements), X Element Spacing (d_x/λ) (λ), Y Element Spacing (d_y/λ) (λ), Single Element Directivity (dBi), Array Efficiency (η) (%), Scan Angle (θ_scan) (°), Element Scan Loss Exponent (k), Power per Element (Tx Module) (dBm) in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this antenna arrays design or analysis.

This calculator is based on classical phased-array antenna theory combined with practical beamforming approximations. The array factor gain is calculated using 10log₁₀(N), where N represents the total number of antenna elements. Because every element radiates coherently, the radiated power combines constructively, increasing antenna directivity as more elements are added. The ideal array directivity is obtained by adding the element gain to the array factor gain. Practical antenna efficiency is then incorporated through 10log₁₀(η), where η represents aperture efficiency, accounting for feed losses, mutual coupling, impedance mismatch, conductor loss, dielectric loss, and other implementation effects. During beam steering, gain decreases because the projected aperture becomes smaller. This scan loss is approximated using G(θ)=G₀×cosᵏ(θ), where k models the element radiation pattern. The effective aperture is calculated from Aeff=(Gλ²)/(4π), illustrating the direct relationship between antenna gain and energy collection capability. Beamwidth is estimated using HPBW≈50.8°/(N×d/λ), demonstrating that increasing the electrical aperture narrows the main beam and improves angular resolution. The calculator also evaluates grating lobe boundaries using element spacing expressed in wavelengths. When spacing exceeds approximately λ/2, unwanted secondary beams can appear during beam steering, limiting the usable scan angle. Finally, the Fraunhofer far-field distance is calculated using Rff=2D²/λ, where D is the maximum array dimension, defining the minimum distance required for accurate far-field antenna measurements. Together, these equations form the engineering foundation of phased-array beamforming, electronically scanned arrays, radar systems, satellite antennas, adaptive beam steering, and modern massive MIMO communication.

Use the calculated gain, beamwidth, scan loss, and grating lobe limits as the starting point for phased-array antenna design. Maintain approximately half-wavelength element spacing whenever possible to minimise grating lobes while preserving wide-angle beam steering capability. Equal amplitude and accurate phase calibration across every transmit and receive channel are essential because small phase or amplitude errors increase sidelobes, reduce realized gain, and distort the radiation pattern. During prototype validation, measure S-parameters, array calibration accuracy, scan loss, EIRP, beam pointing accuracy, sidelobe level, cross-polarisation, mutual coupling, and radiation efficiency using a calibrated vector network analyser (VNA), near-field scanner, anechoic chamber, or compact antenna test range. Electromagnetic simulation using CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS, FEKO, MATLAB Phased Array Toolbox, Altair Feko, Keysight ADS, or AWR Microwave Office is recommended to optimise feed networks, array geometry, beamforming algorithms, and scan performance before fabrication.