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Band Allocations
The latest ARRL Band Plan Chart is available below as a printable PDF. If you're viewing this page on a computer or tablet, use the flyout button in the upper-right corner of the document to open a larger, easier-to-read version.
You may also see an "Open with Google Docs" option. While you're certainly welcome to try it, the results are usually less than impressive. The formatting doesn't survive the trip very well, and what comes out is often more puzzle than band plan.
Understanding where you can operate is only part of the story. It's equally important to understand the power limits that apply to each amateur band, especially the 60-meter band, where FCC rules are based on Effective Radiated Power (ERP) rather than simply the output power of your transmitter. In some cases, antenna gain can cause your actual radiated power to be significantly higher than the number displayed on your radio.
Directly below the ARRL chart, you'll find information and calculators to help you understand ERP, EIRP, RF exposure compliance, and antenna gain. These tools can help ensure that your station operates safely and remains within FCC regulations.
If you prefer a text-based reference, we've also included a comprehensive printable band plan spreadsheet at the bottom of this page. Unlike the color-coded ARRL chart, the spreadsheet breaks down frequency allocations and license privileges in a detailed text format. It may require a few more sheets of paper, but many operators find it easier to search, study, and understand.
Band Chart - 11X17 Color.pdfSection 1
Understanding Power Limits When Using Gain Antennas
Section 1
Understanding Power Limits When Using Gain Antennas
When you use an antenna with gain, you must account for that gain when calculating your Effective Radiated Power (ERP). FCC power limits that specify ERP are based on the total signal being radiated, not just the power coming out of your transmitter. As antenna gain increases, your radiated signal becomes stronger in the antenna's favored directions, which increases ERP.
How Gain Affects Your Actual Radiated Power
How Gain Affects Your Actual Radiated Power
Antenna gain effectively multiplies the power being radiated. A gain of 3 dB represents approximately twice the power in the antenna's primary radiation pattern.
For example:
100 watts PEP transmitter output + 3 dB antenna gain → approximately 200 watts ERP
On bands where ERP is not specifically limited, this may not be a concern. However, on bands with an ERP limit, antenna gain must be included in your calculations.
The 60-Meter Band is Different
The 60-Meter Band is Different
The U.S. 60-meter amateur band is limited to 100 watts PEP ERP. If you transmit 100 watts PEP into an antenna with 3 dB of gain, your signal is effectively radiated at approximately 200 watts ERP.
100 watts PEP + 3 dB gain → approximately 200 watts ERP
That exceeds the legal 100-watt PEP ERP limit for the 60-meter band.
What About “Standard” HF Antennas?
What About “Standard” HF Antennas?
A half-wave dipole has a gain of approximately 2.15 dBi, which is equivalent to 0 dBd. Since ERP calculations are referenced to a dipole, a dipole itself is considered the ERP reference antenna.
Therefore:
100 watts PEP into a dipole → 100 watts ERP
If you use an antenna with gain above a dipole, such as a Yagi or other directional antenna, you must reduce transmitter power accordingly to remain within the 100-watt PEP ERP limit on 60 meters.
Take Note: Antenna gain always counts toward your legal radiated power. Whenever a band has an ERP limit, you must include antenna gain in your calculations and reduce transmitter power as necessary to stay within the law.
Take Note: Antenna gain always counts toward your legal radiated power. Whenever a band has an ERP limit, you must include antenna gain in your calculations and reduce transmitter power as necessary to stay within the law.
Note: ERP is referenced to a dipole (dBd), while EIRP is referenced to an isotropic radiator (dBi). A dipole has 2.15 dB more gain than an isotropic radiator, so be sure you're using the correct reference when calculating legal power limits.
Section 2
Useful Calculators and Information for Amateur Radio Operators: Power Limits
Section 2
Useful Calculators and Information for Amateur Radio Operators: Power Limits
Whether you're verifying ERP limits on 60 meters, checking antenna system performance, or completing an RF exposure evaluation, these calculators can help ensure your station remains both safe and compliant.
Calculating ERP and EIRP
Calculating ERP and EIRP
A simple tool designed for amateur radio operators. Enter your transmitter power and antenna gain to quickly determine ERP or EIRP. It is especially useful when operating on bands with specific power restrictions, such as the 100-watt ERP limit on 60 meters.
This calculator allows conversion between ERP and EIRP while accounting for antenna gain expressed in either dBd or dBi. It is particularly useful when working with directional antennas, beams, and stacked arrays.
A valuable tool for repeater owners and system builders. It factors in feedline losses, duplexer losses, connectors, cavities, and antenna gain to estimate the actual radiated power of a complete repeater system.
RF Exposure Compliance Calculations
RF Exposure Compliance Calculations
Current FCC regulations require amateur operators to perform an RF exposure evaluation whenever their station exceeds the exemption thresholds. Maintaining documentation of these calculations is considered good operating practice.
One of the most widely used RF safety resources available to radio amateurs. The calculator considers operating frequency, transmitter power, antenna gain, operating mode, and duty cycle to help determine minimum safe separation distances for both controlled and uncontrolled environments.
Typical Antenna Gains and Their Impact
Typical Antenna Gains and Their Impact
Using the correct antenna gain value in your calculations is essential because even modest gain can significantly increase your effective radiated power.
Quarter-Wave Vertical or Half-Wave Dipole
Quarter-Wave Vertical or Half-Wave Dipole
These antennas are generally considered to have 0 dBd gain and serve as the reference standard for ERP calculations. A station using one of these antennas typically has straightforward ERP calculations with little adjustment required.
Directional Beams and Yagis
Directional Beams and Yagis
Many HF beam antennas provide between 6 and 10 dBd of gain, with larger arrays producing even more. Remember that:
A 3 dB increase doubles ERP.
A 6 dB increase quadruples ERP.
A 10 dB increase increases ERP by a factor of ten.
For example, a 100-watt transmitter feeding an antenna with 6 dBd gain produces approximately 400 watts ERP.
The Takeaway
The Takeaway
Your transmitter's output power is only one part of the equation. Antenna gain and system losses determine how much power is actually radiated. Before operating on bands with ERP restrictions or evaluating RF safety compliance, take a few moments to run the numbers using one of the calculators above. It's a simple step that can help keep your station both legal and safe.
To repeate: ERP is referenced to a dipole (dBd), while EIRP is referenced to an isotropic radiator (dBi). A half-wave dipole has 2.15 dB more gain than an isotropic radiator, so be sure you're using the correct reference when applying power limits and evaluating compliance.
Printable 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. Just put the header at the top of your screen, click on it, then use the arrow keys (or touchscreen) to scroll.
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, make sure you understand the explanations above 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.xlsxPage updated
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