T1 · Lookup & Conversion

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.

Blue optical signal becoming weaker as it travels through a fiber, illustrating distance-related fiber loss
Longer fiber path + attenuation per kilometer = greater total dB loss.

Fiber attenuation and distance calculator

Single-mode · Standard low-water-peak single-mode fiber

Product operating wavelength

Options follow the selected product's catalog data.

dB/km

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

Input power43.652% remains

10 km × 0.36 dB/km
= 3.6 dB

Fiber only. This result excludes connectors, splices, splitters, equipment tolerances, and engineering margin.

Need a complete link budget?

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.

How to use it

A quick planning estimate,not a complete link budget.

  1. 01Select the fiber class and operating wavelength.
  2. 02Use the planning preset, or replace it with the maximum attenuation on your cable datasheet.
  3. 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

FiberCore / claddingWavelengthCoefficient
OS2 · G.652D9/125 µm1310 nmCatalog reference0.36 dB/km
1550 nmCatalog reference0.22 dB/km
G.6559/125 µm1310 nmCatalog reference0.40 dB/km
1550 nmCatalog reference0.23 dB/km
G.657.A19/125 µm1310 nmCatalog reference0.36 dB/km
1550 nmCatalog reference0.22 dB/km
G.657.A29/125 µm1310 nmCatalog reference0.36 dB/km
1550 nmCatalog reference0.22 dB/km
OM162.5/125 µm850 nmCatalog reference3.20 dB/km
1300 nmCatalog reference1.20 dB/km
OM250/125 µm850 nmCatalog reference3.00 dB/km
1300 nmCatalog reference1.00 dB/km
OM350/125 µm850 nmCatalog reference3.00 dB/km
1300 nmCatalog reference1.00 dB/km
OM450/125 µm850 nmCatalog reference3.00 dB/km
1300 nmCatalog reference1.00 dB/km
OM550/125 µm850 nmCatalog reference3.00 dB/km
1300 nmCatalog reference1.00 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.

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