5G NR ARFCN Converter
Convert between NR-ARFCN and frequency (MHz) using 3GPP global raster rules.
Valid NR-ARFCN range: 0 to 3279165. Valid frequency range: 0 MHz to 100000 MHz (with a defined gap between 24250 and 24250.08 MHz).
What is NR-ARFCN?
NR-ARFCN stands for New Radio Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number. In 5G systems, it gives a standardized integer index for carrier frequency. Instead of exchanging raw frequency values, networks and tools can reference one numeric channel identifier and map it to a precise center frequency.
This matters for radio planning, drive testing, interoperability checks, and log analysis. If you work with spectrum in FR1 or FR2, you will constantly move between ARFCN and MHz values.
NR-ARFCN to Frequency Formula (3GPP)
The conversion uses piecewise ranges with different global frequency steps.
| Frequency Range (MHz) | ΔFGlobal | FREF-Offs (MHz) | NREF-Offs | NREF Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to < 3000 | 5 kHz (0.005 MHz) | 0 | 0 | 0 to 599999 |
| 3000 to < 24250 | 15 kHz (0.015 MHz) | 3000 | 600000 | 600000 to 2016666 |
| 24250.08 to 100000 | 60 kHz (0.06 MHz) | 24250.08 | 2016667 | 2016667 to 3279165 |
Forward conversion (ARFCN to MHz)
FREF = FREF-Offs + ΔFGlobal × (NREF − NREF-Offs)
Reverse conversion (MHz to ARFCN)
NREF = NREF-Offs + (FREF − FREF-Offs) / ΔFGlobal
The computed ARFCN should be an integer for an exact raster-aligned frequency.
How to use this calculator
- Select conversion mode.
- Enter either NR-ARFCN or frequency in MHz.
- Click Calculate.
- Read the exact or nearest valid result, including which raster segment was used.
Practical notes for RF engineers
1) Not every MHz value is valid
Because each segment uses a fixed raster step (5, 15, or 60 kHz), many decimal frequency values do not map to an integer ARFCN. In those cases, this tool reports the nearest valid channel too.
2) Boundary behavior is important
The transition around 24.25 GHz is not continuous in simple decimal terms. There is a defined jump from the second range to the third range starting at 24250.08 MHz.
3) Use this for planning and validation
This calculator is ideal for sanity checks in scripts, OSS exports, and spectrum audits. For complete deployment validation, always verify per-band limits and regional regulations in addition to the global ARFCN mapping.
Example checks
- N = 620000 maps to 3300 MHz (FR1 upper segment).
- F = 3300 MHz maps exactly to N = 620000.
- F = 3500 MHz may not land exactly on integer ARFCN under 15 kHz raster; nearest valid value is reported.
Final takeaway
If you are working with 5G channelization, fast and accurate ARFCN conversion saves time and avoids configuration errors. Keep this page handy whenever you need quick NR frequency mapping.