Fundamentals

VSWR, Return Loss, and Reflection Coefficient

Convert VSWR, return loss, reflection coefficient, reflected power, and mismatch loss.

FORMULAv1.1.0
INPUT PARAMETERS

Choose the known parameter

The reflection coefficient is a magnitude; phase is not included.

CALCULATION RESULT

Calculation result

Calculated locally

Enter the parameters and run the calculation to see results and model assumptions here.

FORMULA & TRACEABILITY

Formulas and applicability

Formulas, variables, and model boundaries are published. References last reviewed on 2026-08-28.

5 formulas · 2 references
CORE EQUATIONS

Core equations

These equations directly produce the primary results and define the tool’s core model.

2
F01

Reflection coefficient from VSWR

|Γ| = (VSWR − 1) / (VSWR + 1)

Converts the maximum/minimum standing-wave voltage ratio to the reflected/incident wave amplitude ratio.

|Γ|
Magnitude of voltage reflection coefficient1
VSWR
Voltage standing-wave ratio:1
Applicability
  • 0 ≤ |Γ| ≤ 1 for a passive load
  • Reflection phase is not included
F03

Return loss

RL = −20 log₁₀|Γ|

Higher return loss indicates a smaller reflected-wave amplitude.

RL
Return lossdB
|Γ|
Magnitude of voltage reflection coefficient1
Applicability
  • RL is positive infinity when |Γ| = 0
DERIVED & CONVERSION

Derived and conversion equations

Derive units, levels, and supporting engineering quantities from the core values.

3
F02

VSWR from reflection coefficient

VSWR = (1 + |Γ|) / (1 − |Γ|)

As the reflection coefficient approaches 1, VSWR approaches infinity.

|Γ|
Magnitude of voltage reflection coefficient1
Applicability
  • 0 ≤ |Γ| < 1
F04

Reflected-power ratio

Pᵣ / Pᵢ = |Γ|²

For linear waves with the same reference impedance, the power ratio is the square of the voltage-wave amplitude ratio.

Pᵣ
Reflected powerW
Pᵢ
Incident powerW
Applicability
  • Incident and reflected waves use the same real reference impedance
F05

Mismatch loss

ML = −10 log₁₀(1 − |Γ|²)

Represents available-power loss caused only by load mismatch.

ML
Mismatch lossdB
Applicability
  • Passive one-port
  • Excludes transmission-line loss and device dissipation
REFERENCES

References

01NIST · NIST Technical Note 1333Coaxial Intrinsic Impedance Standards1989 · Gives the reflection coefficient, standing-wave formation, and VSWR = (1+|Γ|)/(1−|Γ|).
02NBS/NIST · NBS Technical Note 72Table of Magnitude of Reflection Coefficient versus Return Loss1960 · Metrology reference table relating reflection-coefficient magnitude and return loss.
Engineering use notice

Results use the models and assumptions shown on this page for design estimates and pre-compliance risk review. Complex structures, dispersion, near-field coupling, and test setup can cause significant deviation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the VSWR formula?

VSWR = (1 + |Γ|) / (1 − |Γ|). For example, |Γ| = 0.2 gives VSWR = 1.5, or about 14 dB return loss.

What VSWR counts as a good match?

VSWR ≤ 1.5 (return loss ≥ 14 dB) is usually considered a good match; VSWR ≥ 2 (return loss ≤ 9.5 dB) deserves attention.

How are return loss and reflected power related?

RL(dB) = −20·log₁₀|Γ|, and the reflected power fraction is |Γ|². A 10 dB return loss means 10% of the power is reflected.

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