20 dBm equals approximately 0.1 watts.
To convert 20 dBm to watts, use the formula: Watts = 10^((dBm – 30) / 10). For 20 dBm, subtract 30, getting -10, then raise 10 to the power of -10 divided by 10, which results in 10^(-1) = 0.1 watts. This conversion helps understand the power level in standard units.
Conversion Result
The conversion of 20 dBm to watts gives about 0.1 W.
Conversion Tool
Result in watts:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert dbm to watts is Watts = 10^((dBm – 30)/10). It works because dbm is logarithmic representation of power, so reversing it requires exponentiating 10 to the power of the ratio. For example, with 20 dbm: (20 – 30)/10 = -1, so watts = 10^-1 = 0.1 W.
Conversion Example
- Convert 10 dBm:
- Subtract 30 from 10: 10 – 30 = -20
- Divide by 10: -20 / 10 = -2
- Calculate 10 to the power of -2: 10^-2 = 0.01 watts
- Convert 30 dBm:
- Subtract 30 from 30: 30 – 30 = 0
- Divide by 10: 0 / 10 = 0
- Calculate 10 to the power of 0: 10^0 = 1 watt
- Convert 0 dBm:
- Subtract 30 from 0: 0 – 30 = -30
- Divide by 10: -30 / 10 = -3
- Calculate 10 to the power of -3: 10^-3 = 0.001 watts
Conversion Chart
This table shows dBm values from -5.0 to 45.0 and their equivalent watt values. Use it to quickly find the power in watts for a given dBm level.
| dBm | Watts |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | 0.0003162 |
| 0.0 | 0.001 |
| 5.0 | 0.0031623 |
| 10.0 | 0.0100 |
| 15.0 | 0.0316 |
| 20.0 | 0.1 |
| 25.0 | 0.3162 |
| 30.0 | 1 |
| 35.0 | 3.1623 |
| 40.0 | 10 |
| 45.0 | 31.6228 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many watts are equivalent to 20 dBm power level?
- What is the wattage corresponding to a 20 dBm signal?
- Can you convert 20 dBm to watts for RF applications?
- What is the formula to change 20 dBm into watts?
- How does 20 dBm compare to other power levels in watts?
- Is 20 dBm considered high power in watts?
- What is the watt value for 20 decibels milliwatts?
Conversion Definitions
dbm: A logarithmic measurement expressing power level relative to 1 milliwatt, used mainly in telecommunications and RF systems to indicate signal strength.
Watts: A basic unit of power in the International System, quantifying energy transfer rate, common in electrical and mechanical contexts to describe power consumption or output.
Conversion FAQs
What does 20 dBm mean in terms of electrical power?
20 dBm represents a power level that is 0.1 watts. It indicates a signal strength that is 10 times higher than 10 dBm, and is often used to describe RF output or transmitter power.
Why is the conversion from dBm to watts logarithmic?
Because dBm is a logarithmic scale, it represents power in a compressed form, making it easier to compare large variations. Converting back to watts requires exponentiating base 10, which restores the linear power value.
How accurate is the conversion from dBm to watts?
The conversion formula is mathematically precise; however, practical measurements can vary due to equipment calibration and environmental factors, but the basic calculation remains accurate for theoretical purposes.
Can I convert any dBm value to watts using the same formula?
Yes, the same formula Watts = 10^((dBm – 30)/10) applies to all dBm values, allowing conversion across the entire range of typical power levels used in communications.