The conversion of 1 dBm to watts equals approximately 0.0012589 watts.
This calculation is based on the formula that relates dBm (decibels relative to 1 milliwatt) to watts. Since 0 dBm equals 1 milliwatt, each increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in power. Converting 1 dBm involves using the formula P(watts) = 10^((dBm – 30) / 10). Therefore, 1 dBm equals 10^((1 – 30)/10) watts, which simplifies to about 0.0012589 watts.
What is 1 dBm in watts?
1 dBm is a measure of power expressed in decibels relative to one milliwatt. When converted into watts, it equals roughly 0.0012589 watts. This value helps to understand the actual power level in a standard unit, making it easier to compare with other power measurements in electronics and radio communications.
Conversion Tool
Result in watts:
Conversion Formula
The formula for converting dBm to watts is P(watts) = 10^((dBm – 30) / 10). It works because dBm is a logarithmic measurement of power relative to 1 milliwatt. The subtraction of 30 converts dBm to decibels relative to 1 watt, and raising 10 to this power gives the actual wattage. For example, for 1 dBm: P = 10^((1 – 30)/10) = 10^(-2.9) ≈ 0.0012589 watts. This method allows for easy calculation of power levels based on the logarithmic dBm scale, which compresses large ranges of power into manageable numbers.
Conversion Example
- Convert 3 dBm to watts:
- Subtract 30 from 3: 3 – 30 = -27
- Divide by 10: -27 / 10 = -2.7
- Raise 10 to the power of -2.7: 10^(-2.7) ≈ 0.001995 watts
- Convert 10 dBm to watts:
- Subtract 30: 10 – 30 = -20
- Divide by 10: -20 / 10 = -2
- Calculate 10^(-2): 0.01 watts
- Convert -10 dBm to watts:
- -10 – 30 = -40
- -40 / 10 = -4
- 10^(-4) = 0.0001 watts
- Convert 20 dBm to watts:
- 20 – 30 = -10
- -10 / 10 = -1
- 10^(-1) = 0.1 watts
- Convert 26 dBm to watts:
- 26 – 30 = -4
- -4 / 10 = -0.4
- 10^(-0.4) ≈ 0.3981 watts
Conversion Chart
| dBm | Watts |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | 0.0000063 |
| -20.0 | 0.0001 |
| -16.0 | 0.0004 |
| -12.0 | 0.0016 |
| -8.0 | 0.0063 |
| -4.0 | 0.0251 |
| 0.0 | 0.001 |
| 4.0 | 0.0025 |
| 8.0 | 0.0063 |
| 12.0 | 0.0158 |
| 16.0 | 0.0398 |
| 20.0 | 0.1 |
| 24.0 | 0.2512 |
| 26.0 | 0.3981 |
This chart helps you see the approximate watt values for various dBm levels, making it easier to estimate power in different electronic or radio contexts.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many watts is 1 dBm equivalent to in real power terms?
- What is the wattage for 1 dBm in radio signal strength?
- How do I convert 1 dBm to milliwatts or watts for my project?
- What is the power output in watts when the signal is 1 dBm?
- Can I convert 1 dBm to watts for antenna transmission calculations?
- What is the formula to turn 1 dBm into watts in amateur radio?
- How does 1 dBm compare to other power levels in watts?
Conversion Definitions
dbm: A logarithmic measurement expressing power relative to 1 milliwatt, used in electronics and radio to quantify signal strength or power output, with 0 dBm equal to 1 milliwatt.
watts: The SI unit of power, representing the rate of energy transfer, with 1 watt equaling 1 joule per second, used to measure electrical power, mechanical work, or energy transfer rates in various systems.
Conversion FAQs
How does 1 dBm compare to other power levels in watts?
1 dBm is about 0.0012589 watts, which is a tiny fraction of a watt. Smaller power levels like -10 dBm mean even less power, while higher levels like 10 dBm are more significant. This scale helps in precise measurements where small differences matter.
Can I use the same formula to convert any dBm value to watts?
Yes, the formula P = 10^((dBm – 30) / 10) applies for all dBm values. It calculates the power in watts based on the logarithmic dBm level, whether it is positive or negative, providing an accurate conversion.
Why is dBm used instead of watts in radio communications?
dBm simplifies handling very large or small power levels by compressing them into manageable numbers on a logarithmic scale. It makes comparing, calculating, and adjusting signals easier, especially when dealing with a wide range of power outputs.
Last Updated : 20 June, 2025
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.