5G NR Throughput Calculator (3GPP 38.306)
Peak NR rate for a carrier, with TDD downlink share.
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5G NR Throughput Calculator (3GPP 38.306) by TheCalcTools
How the 5G NR Throughput Calculator (3GPP 38.306) works
Pick the subcarrier spacing and bandwidth; the PRB count follows 3GPP TS 38.101 tables.
Choose MIMO layers, modulation order, Rmax and the overhead.
The 38.306 formula multiplies layers × bits × code rate × (12 × PRB ÷ symbol duration) × (1 − overhead); a TDD share scales it to the downlink.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Subcarrier spacing and bandwidth | 30 kHz, 100 MHz (273 PRB) |
|---|---|
| MIMO layers | 4 |
| Modulation | 256QAM, MCS table 2 |
| Max code rate Rmax | 0.9258 |
| Overhead | 14 % |
| Downlink share of time (TDD) | 74 % |
| Aggregated carriers | 1 |
- 30 kHz SCS, 100 MHz: 273 PRBs.
- With 4 layers, 256QAM, Rmax 0.9258 and 14% overhead, the DL slot rate is 2,337 Mbps; with a 74% DL share it averages 1,729 Mbps.
Result:
| Resource blocks | 273 |
|---|---|
| Downlink peak, TDD-adjusted (Mbps) | 1,729 |
| Rate during DL slots only (Mbps) | 2,337 |
| Per layer (Mbps) | 432 |
Frequently asked questions
Why do 100 MHz at 30 kHz SCS use 273 PRBs?
That is the maximum transmission bandwidth configuration defined in 3GPP for 100 MHz at 30 kHz. It leaves guard bands at the edges.
Is this what users see?
No. It is a peak that requires good SINR, a capable UE with the layers and modulation, no load and ample backhaul.
Sources and further reading
- 3GPP TS 38.306: NR UE radio access capabilities
- 3GPP TS 38.101-1: NR UE radio transmission and reception, Range 1
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.