LTE EARFCN Calculator
Convert between EARFCN and frequency per 3GPP TS 36.101. F_DL = DL_low + 0.1 × (EARFCN − nOffsDL)
Quick examples
EARFCN Formula (3GPP TS 36.101 §5.7.3)
Each LTE band defines a downlink low frequency (DLlow), an uplink low frequency (ULlow), and EARFCN offsets. The carrier frequency is:
FDL = DLlow + 0.1 × (NDL − nOffsDL)
FUL = ULlow + 0.1 × (NUL − nOffsUL)
Frequencies are in MHz. The 0.1 multiplier gives a 100 kHz channel raster. For FDD bands, the UL EARFCN is the DL EARFCN offset by a fixed per-band constant defined in Table 5.7.3-1 of TS 36.101. To identify all cellular bands for a resulting frequency, use the frequency to band converter. To analyse signal quality at an LTE carrier, use the RSRP and RSRQ calculator.
LTE Band EARFCN Quick-Reference
Common LTE FDD and TDD bands with their downlink EARFCN ranges and centre frequencies per 3GPP TS 36.101 Table 5.7.3-1. Enter any EARFCN from the DL range into the calculator above to confirm the band and exact frequency.
| Band | Name | DL (MHz) | DL EARFCN range | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | 2100 MHz | 2110–2170 | 0–599 | FDD |
| B3 | 1800 MHz | 1805–1880 | 1200–1949 | FDD |
| B5 | 850 MHz | 869–894 | 2400–2649 | FDD |
| B7 | 2600 MHz | 2620–2690 | 2750–3449 | FDD |
| B8 | 900 MHz | 925–960 | 2850–3199 | FDD |
| B20 | 800 DD MHz | 791–821 | 6150–6449 | FDD |
| B28 | 700 APT MHz | 758–803 | 9210–9659 | FDD |
| B38 | 2600 TDD MHz | 2570–2620 | 37750–38249 | TDD |
| B40 | 2300 TDD MHz | 2300–2400 | 38650–39649 | TDD |
| B41 | 2500 TDD MHz | 2496–2690 | 39650–41589 | TDD |
| B42 | 3500 TDD MHz | 3400–3600 | 41590–43589 | TDD |
| B43 | 3700 TDD MHz | 3600–3800 | 43590–45589 | TDD |
Worked Example
Given EARFCN 1575, find the band, downlink frequency, and uplink EARFCN.
Step 1 — Identify the band. EARFCN 1575 falls in the range 1200–1949, which is Band 3 (1800 MHz FDD).
Step 2 — Calculate DL frequency. DLlow = 1805 MHz, NDL-offs = 1200:
FDL = 1805 + 0.1 × (1575 − 1200) = 1805 + 37.5 = 1842.5 MHz
Step 3 — Calculate UL EARFCN. Band 3 UL offset = +18000:
NUL = 1575 + 18000 = 19575 → FUL = 1710 + 0.1 × (19575 − 19200) = 1747.5 MHz
To identify all bands that cover 1842.5 MHz (including overlapping GSM/UMTS/5G NR allocations), use the frequency to band converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an LTE EARFCN?▾
EARFCN (E-UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) uniquely identifies an LTE carrier frequency. Each LTE band is assigned a range of EARFCNs for its downlink, and a separate range for its uplink. EARFCNs are defined in 3GPP TS 36.101 and range from 0 to 65 535.
How do I find the LTE band from an EARFCN?▾
Each LTE band has a defined DL EARFCN range. To find the band, check which range your EARFCN falls into. For example, Band 3 (1800 MHz) covers DL EARFCNs 1200–1949. This calculator performs that lookup automatically.
What is the difference between FDD and TDD bands?▾
FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) uses two separate frequencies — one for downlink and one for uplink. TDD (Time Division Duplex) uses a single frequency shared between DL and UL in alternating time slots. SDL (Supplemental Downlink) bands carry downlink only and have no paired uplink.
What is the LTE channel raster?▾
LTE uses a 100 kHz channel raster, which is why the EARFCN formula multiplies by 0.1. This means consecutive EARFCNs differ by 100 kHz. The centre frequency of any LTE carrier is always a multiple of 100 kHz.