Convert between VSWR, Return Loss (dB), Reflection Coefficient |Γ|, and Mismatch Loss. Interactive online calculator for RF engineers with formula reference and conversion table.
Interactive Calculator
VSWR / Return Loss / Γ Converter
VSWR
—
Return Loss
—
S11 (dB)
—
|Γ| (linear)
—
Mismatch Loss
—
Power Reflected
—
Power Transmitted
—
Formulas
|Γ| = (VSWR − 1) / (VSWR + 1)
VSWR = (1 + |Γ|) / (1 − |Γ|)
Return Loss (dB) = −20 · log₁₀(|Γ|) [positive, larger = better match]
S11 (dB) = 20 · log₁₀(|Γ|) = −Return Loss [negative for passive]
Mismatch Loss (dB) = −10 · log₁₀(1 − |Γ|²) [power lost to reflection]
Power reflected (%) = |Γ|² × 100
Quick Reference Table
VSWR
Return Loss
S11 (dB)
|Γ|
Reflected %
1.00 : 1
∞ dB
−∞
0.000
0.0%
1.05 : 1
32.3 dB
−32.3
0.024
0.06%
1.10 : 1
26.4 dB
−26.4
0.048
0.23%
1.25 : 1
19.1 dB
−19.1
0.111
1.23%
1.50 : 1
14.0 dB
−14.0
0.200
4.0%
2.00 : 1
9.54 dB
−9.54
0.333
11.1%
3.00 : 1
6.02 dB
−6.02
0.500
25.0%
5.00 : 1
3.52 dB
−3.52
0.667
44.4%
10.0 : 1
1.74 dB
−1.74
0.818
66.9%
∞
0 dB
0
1.000
100%
RF View Offline Calculator: This calculation is also built into the RF View Android app — available completely offline in the RF Utilities tab. Enter VSWR, S11, or |Γ| and instantly get all related metrics.