SINR Calculator
Add up interference and noise, then see the SINR.
Your numbers
Your results
SINR Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the SINR Calculator works
Enter the wanted signal power and up to three interfering signals in the same bandwidth.
Thermal noise is −174 dBm/Hz plus 10 log₁₀(bandwidth) plus the receiver noise figure.
Powers are added in milliwatts, not dB, and the SINR is signal minus the total interference-plus-noise in dB.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Wanted signal (dBm) | -85 dBm |
|---|---|
| Interferer 1 (dBm) | -95 dBm |
| Interferer 2 (dBm) | -100 dBm |
| Interferer 3 (dBm) | -160 dBm |
| Bandwidth (MHz) | 10 |
| Receiver noise figure (dB) | 7 |
- Noise floor = −174 + 70 + 7 = -97.0 dBm.
- Interference + noise = -92.1 dBm, so SINR = 7.1 dB (SNR 12.0 dB without interference).
Result:
| Noise floor (dBm) | -97.0 |
|---|---|
| Interference + noise (dBm) | -92.1 |
| SINR (dB) | 7.1 |
| SNR without interference (dB) | 12.0 |
Frequently asked questions
Why add interference in mW?
Decibels are logarithmic, so powers must be converted to a linear scale (mW) before adding, then converted back.
What SINR do I need?
LTE needs about −6 dB to attach and about 20+ dB for 64QAM; 5G NR higher-order modulation needs similar or higher values. Exact thresholds depend on the receiver and MCS table.
Sources and further reading
Related calculators
More in RF Wireless 4G & 5G · All calculators
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.