tools / RF & SDR
VSWR and Return Loss Calculator
Enter a VSWR and see the return loss, reflection coefficient, how much power is bouncing back, and the mismatch loss. A quick gut check on whether an antenna or feedline is matched well enough to bother transmitting.
1:1 is a perfect match. Under 1.5:1 is good; 2:1 is a common limit.
Return loss13.98 dB
Reflection coefficient (Γ)0.2
Power reflected4 %
Mismatch loss0.177 dB
How it works
How they relate
Reflection coefficient Γ = (VSWR - 1)/(VSWR + 1), return loss is -20·log10(Γ), and mismatch loss is -10·log10(1 - Γ²). The closer VSWR is to 1:1, the less power reflects.
FAQ
What VSWR counts as good?
Under about 1.5:1 (near 14 dB return loss) is a solid match for most work. 2:1 (about 9.5 dB, roughly 11% of power reflected) is a common acceptable limit.
