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Band Allocations
Here is the latest ARRL Band Plan Chart as a printable PDF. Hit the flyout button in the upper right corner to view it in a larger format on a regular computer screen or a tablet. If you notice an "Open with Google Docs" button, please don't bother. You'll get a document that is totally unreadable. But you can try anyway! Just use the printable band plan spreadsheet below if you need a text copy. It's quite complete and informative. It breaks down the frequency allocations by license class in text instead of using colors and graphs. Likely a little easier to decode but does take more paper to print.
Band Chart - 11X17 Color.pdfPrintable Band Plan Reference
Printable Band Plan Reference
Below is a printable band plan spreadsheet. For quick access, you can simply print the section that applies to your license class. If you’d like to view the full‑sized version, just click the flyout button in the upper‑right corner of the spreadsheet.
Once you’ve reviewed the band segments, be sure to read the explanation below about how antenna gain affects your actual transmitted power. Many operators don’t realize they can unintentionally exceed legal limits — especially on bands with strict ERP rules.
Ham Band Allocations 5-9-2020.xlsxUnderstanding Power Limits When Using Gain Antennas
Understanding Power Limits When Using Gain Antennas
When you’re working with a gain‑type antenna, it’s important to remember that FCC power limits are based on your transmitter’s output into a unity‑gain (0 dB) antenna. Any antenna gain above that effectively increases your ERP (Effective Radiated Power) — and that can push you over the legal limit without realizing it.
How Gain Affects Your Actual Radiated Power
How Gain Affects Your Actual Radiated Power
If your radio is producing 100 watts PEP and you connect it to a 3 dB gain antenna, the antenna doubles your effective radiated power, that's 100 watts PEP into a 3 dB gain antenna → 200 watts ERP. Perfectly fine on most HF bands, but not everywhere.
Example: The 60‑Meter Band
Example: The 60‑Meter Band
The 60‑meter band has a strict limit of 100 watts PEP ERP. If you run 100 watts into a 3 dB gain antenna on 60 meters, you’re unintentionally transmitting 200 watts ERP, which exceeds the legal limit.
What About “Standard” HF Antennas?
What About “Standard” HF Antennas?
A typical ½‑wave dipole has a gain of about 2.15 dBi (roughly 0 dBd). That means, 100 watts PEP into a dipole → ~128 watts ERP. To stay legal on 60 meters, you’d need to reduce your transmitter power to around 78 watts, which brings your ERP back down to the required 100 watts.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
Antenna gain always counts toward your legal power. If the band has an ERP limit, you must reduce your transmitter output accordingly.
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