RF mismatch exploration tool
SWR calculator controls and results
See how impedance mismatch changes reflected power, accepted power, return loss, and mismatch loss.
Understanding SWR and impedance mismatch
SWR describes reflection caused by impedance mismatch. It is distinct from feedline attenuation and from the fraction of accepted power an antenna ultimately radiates.
Accepted power is not radiated power
Power accepted by a load may still be dissipated in conductor, dielectric, loading-coil, ground, or matching-network losses. This calculator therefore never labels accepted power as radiated power.
Return loss and mismatch loss
Return loss expresses reflection on a logarithmic scale; a larger return-loss value means a smaller reflection. Mismatch loss quantifies the reduction in accepted power due to reflection alone.
Measurement point matters
Feedline attenuation can change the SWR observed at different points. This tool does not infer antenna-terminal SWR from a transmitter-end measurement or predict transmitter foldback.
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