dBm to Watts Calculator

About this calculator

dBm is a logarithmic power unit referenced to 1 milliwatt, defined as dBm = 10·log₁₀(P/1mW). Converting back to linear units uses P(W) = 10^((dBm−30)/10) (or P(mW) = 10^(dBm/10)); every +10 dBm multiplies the power by 10, and every +3 dBm roughly doubles it, which is why RF engineers think in dB for gains and losses but need watts for anything involving actual heat, battery life, or regulatory limits.

This conversion is a daily tool in radio-frequency and telecom work: Wi-Fi and cellular link-budget calculations, antenna and amplifier datasheets, and transmitter power limits are all specified in dBm, while power supplies, batteries, and thermal design are specified in watts. RF engineers, network technicians tuning Wi-Fi coverage, and satellite or ham-radio operators move between the two units constantly.