Band Plan Checker
Enter a frequency to see which US amateur band it falls in, what modes are permitted, and whether your license class grants transmit privileges.
US Amateur Bands — Quick Reference
| Band | Lower Edge | Upper Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 160 Meters (1.8 MHz) | 1.8 MHz | 2.0 MHz |
| 80 Meters (3.5 MHz) | 3.5 MHz | 4.0 MHz |
| 60 Meters (5 MHz) | 5.332 MHz | 5.405 MHz |
| 40 Meters (7 MHz) | 7.0 MHz | 7.3 MHz |
| 30 Meters (10 MHz) | 10.1 MHz | 10.15 MHz |
| 20 Meters (14 MHz) | 14.0 MHz | 14.35 MHz |
| 17 Meters (18 MHz) | 18.068 MHz | 18.168 MHz |
| 15 Meters (21 MHz) | 21.0 MHz | 21.45 MHz |
| 12 Meters (24 MHz) | 24.89 MHz | 24.99 MHz |
| 10 Meters (28 MHz) | 28.0 MHz | 29.7 MHz |
| 6 Meters (50 MHz) | 50.0 MHz | 54.0 MHz |
| 2 Meters (144 MHz) | 144.0 MHz | 148.0 MHz |
| 1.25 Meters (222 MHz) | 222.0 MHz | 225.0 MHz |
| 70 Centimeters (420 MHz) | 420.0 MHz | 450.0 MHz |
| 33 Centimeters (902 MHz) | 902.0 MHz | 928.0 MHz |
| 23 Centimeters (1240 MHz) | 1240.0 MHz | 1300.0 MHz |
Source: FCC Part 97 (47 CFR § 97.301–305). Verify against the current ARRL Band Plan chart before transmitting.
Understanding the US Amateur Radio Band Plan
Band Allocations define the frequency ranges the FCC has allocated for amateur radio use in the United States. Each band is subdivided into segments with specific rules about which emission modes are permitted and which license classes may transmit.
License Class Privileges: The FCC issues four active license classes — Technician, General, Amateur Extra, and the grandfathered Advanced class. Higher-class licenses unlock additional frequency segments, particularly on HF (below 30 MHz). Technicians have full VHF/UHF privileges and limited HF access (10 meters, plus CW on portions of 80, 40, and 15 meters at 200 W PEP).
Permitted Modes: Each sub-band segment may allow CW (Morse code), Phone (voice — SSB or FM), Data (digital modes like FT8, RTTY, PSK31), Image (SSTV, FAX), or a combination. Mode restrictions are tightest at the bottom of each HF band (typically CW/Data only) and broaden as you move up in frequency.
Power Limits: The default maximum is 1,500 W PEP for most bands and classes. Notable exceptions include 30 meters (200 W PEP, shared allocation), 60 meters (100 W ERP, channelized), and Technician/Novice HF CW segments (200 W PEP).
Tip: Use the Ham Radio Call Sign Lookup to check any US call sign's license class and expiration status or the Antenna Length Calculator to calculate element dimensions for any frequency.
This tool was created by Ben Crittenden, an IT professional with experience in web development, systems administration, and project management.