Bandwidth Calculator
Convert data rate to bandwidth or reverse the math to estimate the maximum data rate from a given channel bandwidth.
Enter a data rate, choose a modulation scheme, and calculate the required bandwidth. Use reverse mode to estimate the maximum throughput for a known bandwidth.
Bandwidth Converter
Bandwidth Results
Enter data rate and modulation, then click "Calculate"
to see bandwidth results
How Bandwidth Calculation Works
Bandwidth is tied to how much data you want to send and how efficiently your modulation scheme uses each hertz of spectrum. Higher spectral efficiency means more data in less bandwidth, while lower efficiency requires a wider channel.
This calculator can also run in reverse, letting you estimate the maximum data rate for a known bandwidth. That makes it useful for radio planning, wireless links, lab work, and communication system design.
Formula Summary
Common Reference Values
| Modulation | Efficiency | Example |
|---|---|---|
| BPSK | 1 bit/Hz | Most robust |
| QPSK | 2 bits/Hz | Balanced throughput |
| 16-QAM | 4 bits/Hz | Higher capacity |
| 64-QAM | 6 bits/Hz | Common broadband link |
| 256-QAM | 8 bits/Hz | High throughput |
| 10 Mbps | QPSK | 5 MHz |
| 25 Mbps | QPSK | 12.5 MHz |
| 50 Mbps | 16-QAM | 12.5 MHz |
| 75 Mbps | 16-QAM | 18.75 MHz |
| 100 Mbps | QPSK | 50 MHz |
| 150 Mbps | 16-QAM | 37.5 MHz |
| 200 Mbps | 64-QAM | 33.33 MHz |
| 250 Mbps | 64-QAM | 41.67 MHz |
| 300 Mbps | 64-QAM | 50 MHz |
| 400 Mbps | 64-QAM | 66.67 MHz |
| 500 Mbps | 64-QAM | 83.33 MHz |
| 600 Mbps | 256-QAM | 75 MHz |
| 700 Mbps | 256-QAM | 87.5 MHz |
| 800 Mbps | 256-QAM | 100 MHz |
| 900 Mbps | 256-QAM | 112.5 MHz |
| 1 Gbps | 256-QAM | 125 MHz |
| 1.5 Gbps | 256-QAM | 187.5 MHz |
| 2 Gbps | 256-QAM | 250 MHz |
| 2.5 Gbps | 256-QAM | 312.5 MHz |
| 3 Gbps | 256-QAM | 375 MHz |