How is wavelength calculated from frequency?

Full wavelength equals propagation velocity divided by frequency. In free space, the calculator uses the exact defined speed of light: 299,792,458 metres per second.

What do half-wave and quarter-wave values mean?

They are one-half and one-quarter of the calculated full electromagnetic wavelength. Selecting a fraction does not change the underlying frequency.

What does velocity factor change?

Velocity factor scales propagation speed relative to free space. A factor of 1.000 models free space; a lower user-entered value models slower propagation in a medium.

Is this the final physical length of an antenna?

No. This tool calculates electromagnetic wavelength. Real antennas can need shortening and tuning for construction, conductor size, surroundings, and feed arrangement.

Antenna Wavelength Calculator

Convert frequency and full wavelength in either direction, compare common wave fractions, and optionally model a lower propagation velocity.

Antenna Wavelength Calculator

Convert frequency and full wavelength in either direction, compare common wave fractions, and optionally model a lower propagation velocity.

Live RF relationship

One normalized wavelength

Full-wave length

2.998 mFrom 100 MHz in free space

Frequency: 100 MHz
Full wave: 2.998 m
Half wave: 1.499 m
Quarter wave: 749.5 mm

Formula reference

Frequency and wavelength

From frequency

λ = c × VF / f

Wave velocity divided by frequency gives the full wavelength.

From wavelength

f = c × VF / λ

The entered wavelength is treated as one complete wavelength.

Useful fractions

λ/2 · λ/4 · λ/8

Select a fraction without changing the underlying full wavelength.

Wavelength is not a finished antenna dimension. Physical antennas can require shortening and tuning for conductor size, construction, surroundings, and feed arrangement. Use the Dipole Antenna Length Calculator for a practical center-fed half-wave starting dimension.

Quick examples

Common RF wavelengths

100 MHz≈ 2.998 m full wave

300 MHz≈ 999.3 mm full wave

2.4 GHz≈ 12.49 cm full wave