VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) to Return Loss (dB), Reflection Γ & Reflected Power % Calculator

Convert VSWR (:1) to Reflection Coefficient Γ, Return Loss (dB), and Reflected Power %.

Return Loss (dB)
13.98 dB
Reflected Power Percentage (|Γ|²) 4 %
Net Forward Power Delivered to Load 96 Watts
Transmission Mismatch Loss 0.18 dB
Inputs
⚡ Scenarios:
: 1
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR ≥ 1.00; e.g., 1.5 for 1.5:1).
Watts
Forward transmitter power in Watts.
Results & Graph
Return Loss (dB)
13.98 dB
Reflected Power Percentage (|Γ|²)
4 %
Net Forward Power Delivered to Load
96 Watts
Transmission Mismatch Loss
0.18 dB

Return Loss (dB)

Graph 1 • VSWR ↔ Return Loss & Power % • Domain Architecture & Live Telemetry Maps Vswr Ratio, Forward Transmitted Watts through VSWR ↔ Return Loss & Power % Formula.
Source / Tx Target / Rx VSWR ↔ Return Loss & Power % Propagation Path Return Loss (dB) 13.98 dB Reflected Power Percentage: 4 % Net Forward Power Delivere: 96 Watts
Graph 2 • Return Loss (dB) Across Vswr Ratio Sweep (40% → 160%) Evaluates |Γ| = (VSWR − 1) / (VSWR + 1); ReturnLoss_dB = −20·log₁₀(|Γ|); Refle across 7 operating points (current input highlighted).
0 dB 36.31 dB 72.62 dB 66.02 0.600: 1 66.02 0.900: 1 20.83 1.20: 1 13.98 1.50: 1 10.88 1.80: 1 9 2.10: 1 7.71 2.40: 1
Graph 3 • Joint Sensitivity: Vswr Ratio × Forward Transmitted Watts Compares Return Loss (dB) when Forward Transmitted Watts is shifted +25% (solid) vs. −25% (dashed).
0 dB 17.74 dB 35.49 dB --- Forward Transmitted Watts @ 75% 32.26 -30% 18.35 -15% 13.98 +0% 11.50 +15% 9.84 +30%
Summary: A 1.5:1 VSWR corresponds to Reflection Coefficient |Γ| = 0.2, Return Loss = 13.98 dB, and 4% reflected power (96 W delivered of 100 W).
Summary: A 1.5:1 VSWR corresponds to Reflection Coefficient |Γ| = 0.2, Return Loss = 13.98 dB, and 4% reflected power (96 W delivered of 100 W).
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Formula & Mathematical Methodology: VSWR ↔ Return Loss & Power % Formula

|Γ| = VSWR − 1VSWR + 1
ReturnLossdB = −20·log₁₀(|Γ|)
ReflectedPower% = |Γ|² × 100
|Γ| = (VSWR − 1) / (VSWR + 1); ReturnLoss_dB = −20·log₁₀(|Γ|); ReflectedPower% = |Γ|² × 100
  • vswrRatio: Vswr Ratio (: 1)
  • forwardTransmittedWatts: Forward Transmitted Watts (Watts)

Rounding: Engineering outputs round to 2–3 decimal places; discrete material bag/unit counts round up via ceiling.

Worked Example: Engineering Scenario: VSWR ↔ Return Loss & Power %

Convert VSWR (:1) to Reflection Coefficient Γ, Return Loss (dB), and Reflected Power %.

  1. Enter your system dimensions, electrical/RF ratings, or environmental conditions.
  2. Evaluate the governing equation: |Γ| = (VSWR − 1) / (VSWR + 1); ReturnLoss_dB = −20·log₁₀(|Γ|); ReflectedPower% = |Γ|² × 100.
  3. Inspect the primary design output, supporting allowances, and 3 SVG schematics.
Result: Computes VSWR ↔ Return Loss & Power % via |Γ| = (VSWR − 1) / (VSWR + 1); ReturnLoss_dB = −20·log₁₀(|Γ|); ReflectedPower% = |Γ|² × 100.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) to Return Loss (dB), Reflection Γ & Reflected Power % Calculator calculate results?

It evaluates |Γ| = (VSWR − 1) / (VSWR + 1); ReturnLoss_dB = −20·log₁₀(|Γ|); ReflectedPower% = |Γ|² × 100 directly in your browser and updates three custom SVG visualizations in real time.

Can I use Goal Seek to solve backwards for a required dimension or rating?

Yes. Click "🎯 Goal Seek" in the results toolbar to solve backwards for any numeric input parameter.

Does this engineering calculator work offline?

Yes. All calculations run 100% locally in your browser and work offline via the CalculatorGraph PWA.

Science & Engineering · RF, Telecom & Antenna Engineering

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) to Return Loss (dB), Reflection Γ & Reflected Power % Calculator: inputs, method, and how to read the result

Convert VSWR (:1) to Reflection Coefficient Γ, Return Loss (dB), and Reflected Power %.

Choose inputs for the case you are checking

The defaults are illustrative. Replace them with values for your case and keep the units shown beside each field.

  • Vswr Ratio: Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR ≥ 1.00; e.g., 1.5 for 1.5:1).
  • Forward Transmitted Watts: Forward transmitter power in Watts.

What the calculation includes

With the default values shown, Return Loss (dB) is 13.98 dB. The calculation follows VSWR ↔ Return Loss & Power % Formula; the formula and variable definitions above show how the inputs combine.

One-input check: With the other defaults held constant, changing Vswr Ratio from 1.5 : 1 to 1.65 : 1 changes Return Loss (dB) from 13.98 dB to 12.21 dB. This is a comparison inside the calculator's stated model, not a prediction.

Where to use caution

  • Uses standard NREL, IEEE, ASHRAE, and IRC design equations.
  • Verify final structural, electrical, and mechanical specifications against local building codes.

Scope: Global Engineering & Building Code Standard Check the assumptions and limitations against your situation before relying on the estimate.

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