5 milliwatts (mw) equals approximately -13.01 decibels-milliwatts (dBm).
This conversion is based on the formula that translates power in milliwatts to dBm, which is a logarithmic measurement. Since dBm represents power relative to 1 milliwatt, we use the formula: dBm = 10 × log10(power in mw). For 5 mw, this results in about -13.01 dBm.
Conversion Result
Converting 5 mw to dbm gives approximately -13.01 dBm, which indicates the power level relative to 1 milliwatt in logarithmic terms. This value helps in understanding signal strength in wireless communications and other electronic applications.
Conversion Tool
Result in dbm:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert milliwatts to dbm is dBm = 10 × log10(power in mw). It works because dbm is a logarithmic measure comparing the power level to 1 mw. For example, for 5 mw: log10(5) ≈ 0.6990, then 10 × 0.6990 ≈ -13.01 dBm. This indicates how much stronger or weaker a signal is compared to 1 mw.
Conversion Example
- Convert 10 mw:
- Calculate log10(10) = 1
- Multiply by 10: 10 × 1 = 10 dBm
- Result: 10 mw equals 10 dBm.
- Convert 1 mw:
- Calculate log10(1) = 0
- Multiply by 10: 10 × 0 = 0 dBm
- Result: 1 mw equals 0 dBm.
- Convert 0.1 mw:
- Calculate log10(0.1) = -1
- Multiply by 10: 10 × -1 = -10 dBm
- Result: 0.1 mw equals -10 dBm.
- Convert 20 mw:
- Calculate log10(20) ≈ 1.3010
- Multiply by 10: 10 × 1.3010 ≈ 13.01 dBm
- Result: 20 mw is approximately 13.01 dBm.
Conversion Chart
| mW | dBm |
|---|---|
| -20.0 | -23.01 |
| -15.0 | -18.52 |
| -10.0 | -20.00 |
| -5.0 | -13.98 |
| 0.0 | 0.00 |
| 5.0 | -13.01 |
| 10.0 | 10.00 |
| 15.0 | 11.76 |
| 20.0 | 13.01 |
| 25.0 | 14.00 |
| 30.0 | 15.02 |
This chart helps you quickly find the dbm equivalent for a given milliwatt value, or vice versa. Simply locate the value in one column and read across to see its conversion.
Related Conversion Questions
- How do I convert 5 mw to dbm in wireless signal measurements?
- What is the dbm equivalent of 5 milliwatts used in radio transmission?
- Can I convert 5 mw to dbm for power output calculations?
- How does 5 mw compare to other power levels in dbm?
- What is the significance of -13 dbm in relation to 5 mw?
- Is 5 mw considered a high or low power level in dbm terms?
- How do I calculate the dbm for a power level below 1 mw, like 0.5 mw?
Conversion Definitions
mw: Milliwatt, a unit of power equal to one-thousandth of a watt, used to measure small electrical power levels in electronic devices and communication systems.
dbm: Decibels-milliwatt, a logarithmic unit expressing power relative to 1 milliwatt, used to compare signal strengths in radio, wireless, and electronic applications.
Conversion FAQs
How accurate is converting 5 mw to dbm?
The calculation is precise within the mathematical limits of logarithmic functions. Minor variations can occur due to rounding, but generally, the value of -13.01 dBm for 5 mw is accurate and widely accepted in technical contexts.
Can I use this conversion for other power levels?
Yes, the formula dBm = 10 × log10(power in mw) applies to any power level in milliwatts. Simply substitute the number you need and perform the calculation to find the corresponding dbm value.
Why is the dbm value negative for 5 mw?
Because 5 mw is less than 1 mw, the logarithmic calculation results in a negative number, indicating a power level below the reference point of 1 mw. Negative dbm values are common in weak signal measurements.
What does a higher dbm number mean compared to 5 mw?
A higher dbm number indicates a stronger power level. For example, 10 mw equals 10 dBm, which is stronger than 5 mw at -13.01 dBm. The dbm scale helps compare different power levels easily in communication systems.
