Fiber DB loss calculator — Free Online CalculatorTurn distance into loss—or loss into distance.
Estimate the attenuation of the fiber itself using common single-mode and multimode planning values. Choose a fiber and wavelength, then calculate in either direction without mixing cable loss with connectors, splices, or system margin.

Fiber attenuation and distance calculator
Single-mode · Standard low-water-peak single-mode fiber
TTI catalog planning preset for OS2 · G.652D at 1310 nm. Replace it with the exact cable datasheet value when available.
Calculated result
3.6
dB fiber loss
10 km × 0.36 dB/km
= 3.6 dB
Fiber only. This result excludes connectors, splices, splitters, equipment tolerances, and engineering margin.
Keep the result moving
Fiber DB Loss Calculator, with a useful next step.
A fiber DB loss calculator estimates the attenuation contributed by the glass path itself. The core relationship is simple: fiber distance in kilometers multiplied by the attenuation coefficient in dB/km equals the expected fiber loss in dB. The coefficient depends on fiber family, operating wavelength, cable construction, and the exact product datasheet. This tool therefore shows the wavelength choices for the selected product instead of presenting one universal number. It includes common single-mode references such as OS2 G.652D, G.655, and G.657, plus multimode families from OM1 through OM5. Use Distance → loss when planning a cable run, checking a measured span, or estimating the fiber portion of a link budget. Use Loss → distance when a receiver or system budget gives you a maximum fiber-only allowance. The result intentionally excludes connector pairs, fusion splices, splitters, transceiver tolerances, and engineering margin; those items belong in a complete link loss budget. If the required wavelength is not listed, choose Custom and enter the coefficient from the exact cable datasheet. The linked low-loss fiber article provides additional context before the result is used for purchasing or acceptance testing.
Related reading and products
Explore the product options and technical background behind this result.
A quick planning estimate,not a complete link budget.
- 01Select the fiber class and operating wavelength.
- 02Use the planning preset, or replace it with the maximum attenuation on your cable datasheet.
- 03Enter distance for expected loss, or enter the fiber-only loss allowance for maximum distance.
For purchasing or acceptance testing, use the exact cable specification and add all passive components plus an engineering margin in the full link loss budget calculator.
Wavelength reference matrix
Attenuation by fiber and wavelength
| Fiber | Core / cladding | Wavelength | Coefficient |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS2 · G.652D | 9/125 µm | 1310 nmCatalog reference | 0.36 dB/km |
| 1550 nmCatalog reference | 0.22 dB/km | ||
| G.655 | 9/125 µm | 1310 nmCatalog reference | 0.40 dB/km |
| 1550 nmCatalog reference | 0.23 dB/km | ||
| G.657.A1 | 9/125 µm | 1310 nmCatalog reference | 0.36 dB/km |
| 1550 nmCatalog reference | 0.22 dB/km | ||
| G.657.A2 | 9/125 µm | 1310 nmCatalog reference | 0.36 dB/km |
| 1550 nmCatalog reference | 0.22 dB/km | ||
| OM1 | 62.5/125 µm | 850 nmCatalog reference | 3.20 dB/km |
| 1300 nmCatalog reference | 1.20 dB/km | ||
| OM2 | 50/125 µm | 850 nmCatalog reference | 3.00 dB/km |
| 1300 nmCatalog reference | 1.00 dB/km | ||
| OM3 | 50/125 µm | 850 nmCatalog reference | 3.00 dB/km |
| 1300 nmCatalog reference | 1.00 dB/km | ||
| OM4 | 50/125 µm | 850 nmCatalog reference | 3.00 dB/km |
| 1300 nmCatalog reference | 1.00 dB/km | ||
| OM5 | 50/125 µm | 850 nmCatalog reference | 3.00 dB/km |
| 1300 nmCatalog reference | 1.00 dB/km |
Blue values are TTI Fiber catalog planning references. If the required wavelength is not listed, choose Custom wavelength and enter the matching attenuation coefficient from the exact cable datasheet. Actual attenuation varies by product, installation, temperature, and test method.