5G NR Cell Identity (NCI) Calculator
Calculate and validate 36-bit 5G NR Cell Identity (NCI) in Decimal, Hexadecimal, and Binary formats from gNB ID and Cell ID.
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Enter parameters and click Calculate to view results
Formula & Theory
NCI = (gNB ID × 2^(36 - gNB_Bits)) + Cell ID [Total NCI Length = 36 bits]This formula is used to calculate antenna parameters for 5g nr cell identity (nci) calculator.
Overview
Use this 5G NR Cell Identity (NCI) calculator to convert gNodeB ID and Cell ID into a 36-bit 3GPP-compliant NCI formatted in Decimal, Hexadecimal, and padded Binary.
Input Guide
Enter gNB ID, gNB ID Bit Length (3GPP: 22–32 bits), Local Cell ID exactly in the units shown by this 5g nr cell identity (nci). Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.
- gNB ID.
- gNB ID Bit Length (3GPP: 22–32 bits) — use bits.
- Local Cell ID.
Output Guide
The results describe the calculated 5g nr cell identity (nci) values for the inputs you entered. Check each value against the available space, selected components, feed system, and operating conditions before making a final design decision.
How This Calculator Works
The 5G NR Cell Identity (NCI) uses NCI = (gNB ID × 2^(36 - gNB_Bits)) + Cell ID [Total NCI Length = 36 bits]. Supply gNB ID, gNB ID Bit Length (3GPP: 22–32 bits) (bits), Local Cell ID in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this 5g nr design or analysis.
Design Notes
According to 3GPP TS 38.300 and TS 38.413, the NR Cell Identity (NCI) is strictly 36 bits long. The gNB ID length can be configured between 22 and 32 bits, with the remaining 4 to 14 bits allocated to the local Cell ID.
Build and Tuning Notes
Combining the 36-bit NCI with the PLMN ID (MCC + MNC) forms the 5G NR Global Cell Identity (NCGI), which uniquely identifies a 5G cell worldwide across NG-AP, Xn-AP, and OAM management systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3GPP length of a 5G NR Cell Identity (NCI)?
NCI is strictly a 36-bit identifier. It is divided into a variable-length gNB ID (22 to 32 bits) and a local Cell ID (4 to 14 bits).
Why does gNB ID bit length vary between 22 and 32 bits?
Operators with a small number of macro sites but many cells per site use shorter gNB IDs (e.g., 22 bits = ~4.19M gNBs, 14-bit Cell ID = 16,384 cells/site). Operators with dense small cell deployments prefer longer gNB IDs (e.g., 32 bits = ~4.29B gNBs, 4-bit Cell ID = 16 cells/site).
What is the difference between NCI and NCGI in 5G NR?
NCI is the 36-bit cell identifier within an operator network. NCGI (NR Cell Global Identifier) combines PLMN ID (MCC + MNC) + NCI to globally identify a cell.
Alex Warren
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
Alex specialises in antenna design and wave propagation. His expertise helps ensure these calculators present practical RF concepts, useful design estimates, and clear engineering guidance for students, HAM operators, and wireless professionals.