Radar Resolution Calculator
Calculate radar range resolution, cross-range (azimuth) resolution, beam footprint, and equivalent reciprocal bandwidth from radar bandwidth, antenna beamwidth, and target distance.
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Inputs
Live
Math
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Related
Enter parameters and click Calculate to view results
Formula & Theory
ΔR = c/(2B), ΔAz ≈ (R·θ)/2, Beam Footprint ≈ R·θThis formula is used to calculate antenna parameters for radar resolution calculator.
Overview
Radar Resolution helps you calculate design values for a radar engineering project from Signal Bandwidth (B), Antenna 3 dB Beamwidth (θ), Target Distance (R). Calculate radar range resolution, cross-range (azimuth) resolution, beam footprint, and equivalent reciprocal bandwidth from radar bandwidth, antenna beamwidth, and target distance. Use the result to make an informed first design decision before choosing hardware, setting dimensions, or evaluating the RF system in its final environment.
Input Guide
Enter Signal Bandwidth (B), Antenna 3 dB Beamwidth (θ), Target Distance (R) exactly in the units shown by this radar resolution. Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.
- Signal Bandwidth (B) — use MHz.
- Antenna 3 dB Beamwidth (θ) — use deg.
- Target Distance (R) — use km.
Output Guide
The results describe the calculated radar resolution 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 Radar Resolution uses ΔR = c/(2B), ΔAz ≈ (R·θ)/2, Beam Footprint ≈ R·θ. Supply Signal Bandwidth (B) (MHz), Antenna 3 dB Beamwidth (θ) (deg), Target Distance (R) (km) in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this radar engineering design or analysis.
Design Notes
This radar engineering calculation is based on ΔR = c/(2B), ΔAz ≈ (R·θ)/2, Beam Footprint ≈ R·θ. Real-world accuracy depends on factors such as material properties, losses, mounting, nearby conductors, ground interaction, feed-line effects, and construction tolerance. Confirm the final system with measurement or simulation.
Build and Tuning Notes
Apply the radar resolution result as an initial target, then validate it in the intended installation. Keep the physical layout and feed arrangement consistent while testing, change one parameter at a time, and record the measured outcome before making another adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Radar Resolution calculate?
Calculate radar range resolution, cross-range (azimuth) resolution, beam footprint, and equivalent reciprocal bandwidth from radar bandwidth, antenna beamwidth, and target distance. The calculation provides an initial design value based on Signal Bandwidth (B) (MHz), Antenna 3 dB Beamwidth (θ) (deg), Target Distance (R) (km).
Which inputs are needed for the Radar Resolution?
Enter Signal Bandwidth (B) (MHz), Antenna 3 dB Beamwidth (θ) (deg), Target Distance (R) (km) using the displayed units. Each value directly affects the calculated result, so confirm the unit and operating conditions before running the calculation.
How accurate is this radar resolution?
It follows ΔR = c/(2B), ΔAz ≈ (R·θ)/2, Beam Footprint ≈ R·θ. It is accurate for the formula assumptions, but installed performance can change because of materials, loss, environment, mounting, nearby objects, and measurement uncertainty.
What should I do after using the Radar Resolution?
Compare the result with the practical constraints of your radar engineering system, then validate the completed design with appropriate measurement equipment or simulation.
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.