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 narrow portions of 80, 40, and 15 meters at 200 W PEP. Upgrading to General opens most HF segments; Extra opens the remaining exclusive sub-bands at the bottom of each HF band.
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 within the band. On VHF/UHF, the entire band is typically open to all modes.
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 with fixed services), 60 meters (100 W ERP on five channelized frequencies), and Technician/Novice HF CW segments (200 W PEP). Always check segment-specific notes — some frequencies carry additional restrictions.
Shared and secondary allocations: Several amateur bands are shared with other radio services. On shared bands, amateurs may be secondary users and must not cause harmful interference to primary services. The 60-meter band is a notable example — amateur use is restricted to five specific channels with a maximum ERP of 100 W relative to a dipole.
Before you transmit: Verify your license class with the Ham Radio Call Sign Lookup, calculate element dimensions for your target frequency with the Antenna Length Calculator, and evaluate RF exposure compliance with the RF Exposure Calculator.
Related radio tools: Once you've confirmed your frequency and privilege, use the Antenna Length Calculator to get element dimensions for that band. Look up any US call sign's license class and expiration with the Ham Radio Call Sign Lookup. If you're building a new station or changing power levels, run the RF Exposure Calculator to confirm FCC Part 97.13 compliance — the power limits shown here feed directly into that evaluation.
This tool was created by Ben Crittenden, an IT professional with experience in web development, systems administration, and project management.