Cable Loss Calculator

Estimate attenuation in common AV cables. Loss scales roughly with the square root of frequency.

Cable type

Length

Unit

Frequency

Reference frequency is 1 GHz for coax, 100 MHz for Cat5e/Cat6, 20 kHz for XLR.

How to use

Cable loss increases with length and frequency. For digital AV signals, total loss should stay within the receiver's input sensitivity margin. When in doubt, measure with a cable tester or signal analyzer.

Values are approximate. Manufacturer datasheets are authoritative.