Line of Sight Calculator

Calculate radio horizon and assess signal path clearance for wireless links. This tool helps engineers, technicians, and RF planners determine if a direct line of sight exists, accounting for Earth’s curvature and atmospheric refraction.

Path Parameters

Calculated Results

Line of Sight Distance ($d_{los}$): --

Radio Horizon ($d_r$): --

1st Fresnel Zone Radius: --

Fresnel Clearance at Midpoint: --

Drag the slider to adjust the obstacle's height.

Obstacle Height: 0m

How It Works: The Formulas Behind LOS

Visual Line of Sight

The maximum distance to the horizon from an antenna at height ($h$):

$$d_{los} = 3.57\sqrt{h}$$

(where $d_{los}$ is in km and $h$ is in meters)

Radio Horizon

Radio waves bend with Earth's curvature, extending the range beyond the visual horizon:

$$d_r=4.12\sqrt{h}$$

(where $d_r$ is in km and $h$ is in meters)

The Fresnel Zone

A clear ellipsoidal area around the direct path is required. Obstructions here cause attenuation. The radius ($r$) at midpoint is:

$$r = 17.32\sqrt{\frac{d}{4f}}$$

(where $r$ is in meters, $d$ is in km, and $f$ is in GHz)

Ideally, ensure at least **60% clearance** of the first Fresnel Zone.

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