The 3GPP Formula

Per TS 36.101 section 5.7.3, with a 100 kHz (0.1 MHz) raster:

F_DL = F_DL_low + 0.1 x (N - N_Offs_DL)

F_UL = F_UL_low + 0.1 x (N - N_Offs_UL)

The offsets guarantee EARFCN values are unique across all bands. Worked example: Band 3 downlink EARFCN 1575 = 1805 + 0.1 x (1575 - 1200) = 1842.5 MHz.

Use the band and link direction

For a channel-to-frequency conversion, select the LTE band, choose downlink or uplink and enter an EARFCN in that band's allowed range. For frequency-to-channel conversion, enter a frequency on the 100 kHz raster. An in-range frequency is not automatically a valid centre frequency for every channel bandwidth.

When only the frequency is known, use the LTE and 5G band finder to see overlapping allocations before choosing a band. The band reference pages explain range, duplex mode and dataset limitations.

EARFCN is not UARFCN

EARFCN is the LTE numbering system in 3GPP TS 36.101. UARFCN belongs to UMTS/3G, while NR-ARFCN belongs to 5G NR. Do not enter a UMTS channel number here and interpret a coincidental numerical match as an LTE conversion.

Calculation reference

F = F_low + 0.1 × (N − N_offset).

Variables and units

F and F_low are MHz; N is integer EARFCN; the 0.1 MHz raster and offset depend on the band and direction.

Worked example

Band 3 downlink: 1805 + 0.1 × (1575 − 1200) = 1842.5 MHz.

Assumptions and limitations

Covers 74 band entries from the cited tables. Checks exact channel endpoints and rejects off-grid frequencies. Band-edge clearance, NB-IoT offsets and band-specific carrier restrictions still require the stated bandwidth and operating mode.

Reference: 3GPP TS 36.101 V19.6.0, section 5.7.3. Cite this calculator using its permanent page URL and your access date.