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HamCalc

About HamCalc

Professional antenna design calculators for the amateur radio community—free, accurate, and always improving.

Our Mission

HamCalc was created to provide ham radio operators with professional-grade antenna design tools that are accessible, accurate, and educational. We believe that understanding antenna theory shouldn't require expensive software or complex spreadsheets.

Our goal is to help both new and experienced operators design better antennas through accurate calculations, interactive visualizations, and comprehensive educational content—all completely free.

Why We Built This

Accurate Calculations
Many online calculators use simplified formulas that ignore important factors. We implement proven formulas from AA5TB, the ARRL Antenna Book, and IEEE standards to give you professional-grade results.
Educational Focus
We don't just give you numbers—we help you understand the physics and trade-offs behind antenna design. Each calculator includes detailed explanations and links to educational content.
Community-Driven
Built by ham radio enthusiasts, for ham radio enthusiasts. We listen to feedback from the community and continuously improve based on real-world needs and use cases.
Modern Experience
Real-time calculations, interactive charts, mobile-friendly design, and export features. We leverage modern web technology to create the best user experience possible.

What We Offer

Professional Calculators

Magnetic Loop and Dipole antenna calculators with comprehensive calculations including efficiency, Q-factor, bandwidth, impedance, and more. Real-time interactive charts help visualize performance across frequency ranges.

Educational Content

In-depth articles explaining antenna theory, design trade-offs, RF safety, and best practices. Learn the "why" behind the formulas with worked examples and practical insights.

Export & Sharing

Download your designs as CSV or PDF reports. Share calculations with friends or document your antenna projects for future reference.

Always Free

No subscriptions, no paywalls, no feature limits. HamCalc is and always will be completely free to use. We believe these tools should be accessible to everyone in the amateur radio community.

Our Approach

Every calculator on HamCalc is built with attention to detail and accuracy:

  • Validated formulas: We use established formulas from recognized sources like AA5TB, ARRL publications, and IEEE papers
  • Real-world factors: Our calculations account for conductor resistance, skin effect, end effects, and other practical considerations
  • Transparent methods: We document our calculation methods and provide references so you can verify the results
  • Continuous improvement: We regularly update our calculators based on user feedback and the latest research

What's Next

HamCalc is an evolving project. We're continuously working on:

  • Additional antenna calculators (Yagi, vertical, NVIS)
  • More educational content and tutorials
  • Enhanced visualization tools
  • Mobile apps for field use
  • Community features for sharing designs

Join the Community

HamCalc is built for ham radio operators by ham radio operators. Start designing better antennas today, or help us improve by sharing your feedback.

Questions, suggestions, or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.