ARFCN → Frequency Calculator
Convert any ARFCN (GSM, UMTS/UARFCN, LTE EARFCN, NR-ARFCN) to frequency. Auto-detects technology.
Covers GSM (0–1023), UMTS UARFCN (400–10838), LTE EARFCN (0–65535), NR-ARFCN (0–3279165)
ARFCN Formulas by Technology
Each 3GPP radio access technology has its own channel numbering scheme and frequency formula:
GSM (TS 45.005)
Band 900: FDL = 935 + 0.2 × N (N = 1–124)
Band 1800: FDL = 1805.2 + 0.2 × (N − 512) (N = 512–885)
UMTS (TS 25.101)
FDL = 0.2 × N (UARFCN range 412–10838)
LTE EARFCN (TS 36.101)
FDL = DLlow + 0.1 × (NDL − OffsetDL)
5G NR-ARFCN uses a two-range scheme with a 5 kHz or 15 kHz global frequency raster — use the dedicated NR-ARFCN calculator for full NR conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ARFCN?▾
ARFCN (Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) is the channel number that identifies a specific radio carrier frequency in GSM. Values 0–1023 are defined in 3GPP TS 45.005, with different formulas per band. The concept was extended to UARFCN for UMTS, EARFCN for LTE, and NR-ARFCN for 5G NR.
What is the difference between ARFCN, EARFCN, and NR-ARFCN?▾
ARFCN is the original GSM channel number (0–1023). EARFCN (E-UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) is the LTE equivalent (0–65535), using a 100 kHz raster. NR-ARFCN is the 5G NR channel number (0–3279165) with a finer 15 kHz/5 kHz raster. UARFCN (UMTS) uses a simple formula where frequency = 0.2 × N MHz.
Why does the same ARFCN match multiple GSM bands?▾
Some ARFCN ranges overlap between GSM bands. For example, ARFCNs 512–810 are used by both DCS 1800 (Band 3) and PCS 1900 (Band 5), with different frequency formulas. This tool shows all matching bands so you can cross-reference against the operator's known frequency allocation.
How do I convert an ARFCN to a frequency manually?▾
For GSM Band 900 (P-GSM): F_DL = 935 + 0.2 × N MHz where N is 1–124. For example, ARFCN 100 gives 935 + 20 = 955 MHz downlink. For UMTS, it is simpler: F = 0.2 × UARFCN MHz. For LTE, you need to know the band's EARFCN offset — this calculator handles that lookup automatically.