dBm to Watts Conversion Calculator

Conversion Formula:

\[ W = 10^{\left(\frac{dBm - 30}{10}\right)} \]

Power in Watts:

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1. What is dBm to Watts Conversion?

dBm (decibel-milliwatts) is a logarithmic power measurement unit referenced to 1 milliwatt. Converting dBm to watts provides the absolute power value in linear units, which is often needed for engineering calculations and system specifications.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion uses the formula:

\[ W = 10^{\left(\frac{dBm - 30}{10}\right)} \]

Where:

\( W \) — Power in watts
\( dBm \) — Power in decibel-milliwatts

Explanation: The formula converts from logarithmic scale (dBm) to linear scale (watts). The -30 accounts for the 1 mW reference (0 dBm = 1 mW = 0.001 W).

3. Practical Applications

Details: This conversion is essential in RF engineering, telecommunications, and wireless network design where power levels are often expressed in dBm but system specifications require absolute power values.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the power value in dBm (can be positive or negative) and click convert. The result will show the equivalent power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use dBm instead of watts?
A: dBm is convenient for expressing very large or small power values and simplifies calculations in systems with gains and losses.

Q2: What does 0 dBm equal in watts?
A: 0 dBm equals exactly 1 milliwatt (0.001 watts).

Q3: How many watts is 30 dBm?
A: 30 dBm equals 1 watt (1000 mW).

Q4: What's the difference between dB and dBm?
A: dB is a relative unit (ratio), while dBm is absolute (referenced to 1 mW).

Q5: How to convert watts back to dBm?
A: Use the formula: dBm = 10 × log₁₀(W) + 30