The conversion of 5 milliwatts (mw) to decibel-milliwatts (dBm) equals approximately 7.00 dBm.
This calculation is based on the logarithmic relationship where 1 mw equals 0 dBm, and each tenfold increase in power results in a 10 dBm increase. Therefore, converting 5 mw involves taking 10 times the base power and converting it to dBm using the formula: dBm = 10 * log10(mw).
Conversion Result
5 mw is equal to 7.00 dBm.
Conversion Tool
Result in dbm:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert milliwatts to dBm is: dBm = 10 * log10(mw). It works because the decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning each 10 dBm increase indicates ten times more power. For example, converting 5 mw involves calculating log10(5) which is about 0.69897, then multiplying by 10 gives approximately 6.99 dBm.
Conversion Example
- Convert 10 mw:
- Calculate log10(10) which equals 1.
- Multiply by 10: 10 * 1 = 10.
- Result: 10 dBm.
- Convert 0.5 mw:
- Calculate log10(0.5) which approximately equals -0.3010.
- Multiply by 10: 10 * (-0.3010) = -3.010.
- Result: -3.01 dBm.
- Convert 20 mw:
- Calculate log10(20) which is about 1.3010.
- Multiply by 10: 10 * 1.3010 = 13.01.
- Result: 13.01 dBm.
- Convert 1 mw:
- Calculate log10(1) which is 0.
- Multiply by 10: 10 * 0 = 0.
- Result: 0 dBm.
Conversion Chart
| mW | dBm |
|---|---|
| -20.0 | -20.00 |
| -10.0 | -10.00 |
| -5.0 | -3.01 |
| 0.0 | 0.00 |
| 5.0 | 7.00 |
| 10.0 | 10.00 |
| 15.0 | 11.76 |
| 20.0 | 13.01 |
| 25.0 | 14.00 |
| 30.0 | 14.77 |
This chart shows the approximate dBm values for different mw inputs. To read it, find your mw value in the left column, and see the corresponding dBm value on the right. It helps quickly estimate power levels without calculations.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many dBm is 5 mw in a wireless transmitter?
- What is the dBm equivalent of 5 milliwatts power output?
- Can I convert 5 mw to dBm manually using a calculator?
- What is the dBm value for 5 milliwatts in RF systems?
- How does 5 mw compare to other power levels in dBm?
- Is 7 dBm the correct conversion for 5 mw?
- What is the formula to change mw into dBm for any power level?
Conversion Definitions
mw: Milliwatt (mw) is a unit of power equal to one-thousandth of a watt, used to measure small amounts of electrical power, especially in radio, telecommunications, and electronic devices.
dbm: Decibel-milliwatts (dBm) is a logarithmic unit used to express power levels in telecommunication, representing the ratio of power relative to 1 milliwatt, making it easier to compare large power differences.
Conversion FAQs
Why is the decibel scale used in power measurements?
The decibel scale simplifies comparing large variations in power levels by converting multiplicative ratios into additive units, making it easier to visualize and analyze differences in signal strength and power levels.
How accurate is the conversion from mw to dBm?
The conversion is highly accurate when using the logarithmic formula dBm = 10 * log10(mw), but small variations can happen due to rounding, especially with very small or large power values.
Can I convert dBm back to mw easily?
Yes, by reversing the formula: mw = 10^(dBm/10). This exponential calculation allows you to find the power in milliwatts from a dBm value.
What practical uses are there for converting mw to dBm?
It is used in designing and analyzing wireless communication systems, RF engineering, and signal strength testing, where understanding power levels in a standardized logarithmic scale helps optimize system performance.