W, dBW, and dBm Calculator
This calculator and formula will convert RF power in watts to decibels and decibels into watts. RF power can be displayed in both watts and decibels. Using decibels provides an easier route to navigate the gains and losses in power.
Inputs
Power
dBW
dBm
W
PdBm = power in decibel-milliwatts
PdBW = power in decibel-watts
PmW = power in milliwatts
PW = power in watts
Equations
$$PdBm = 10log10PmW$$
$$PdBW = 10log10PW$$
$$PmW = 10 pdBm/10$$
$$PdBW = PdBm - 30$$
Application
These calculations can be used when you need to calculate power losses and gains between a transmitter and a receiver.
Further Reading
- Textbook — Measurements in Electrical Engineering
- Textbook — Decibels
- Video Lectures — Decibels: Amplifier Basics
- Worksheet — Decibel Measurements
