VHF Range Calculator
Estimate very high frequency radio range over water as one point one seven times the sum of the square roots of the vessel and shore antenna heights in feet.
Description
Estimate very high frequency radio range over water as one point one seven times the sum of the square roots of the vessel and shore antenna heights in feet.
VHF Range Calculator is a focused tool for the following task. Estimate very high frequency radio range over water as one point one seven times the sum of the square roots of the vessel and shore antenna heights in feet. It reports Communication range from the values you provide rather than inventing measurements, coefficients, or professional judgment that are not part of the input.
When to use VHF Range
Use this sailing calculation for planning or education when the vessel, units, reference directions, environmental conditions, and assumptions are explicitly known.
- Shore antenna height (ft)
- Required number in ft. Height of the shore station antenna above sea level.
- Vessel antenna height (ft)
- Required number in ft. Height of the vessel antenna above the sea surface.
The cited overview of Maritime safety supplies background for the terminology and domain context used by this tool.1
How VHF Range works
Estimate very high frequency radio range over water as one point one seven times the sum of the square roots of the vessel and shore antenna heights in feet. Inputs are interpreted exactly in the displayed units and the calculation returns the following fields without presentation rounding.
- Communication range (NM)
- Returned number in NM. Approximate line of sight communication range to the horizon.
Limitations and assumptions
- Vessel design and loading, sea state, wind, current, tide datum, weather, chart accuracy, equipment, crew, and safety margins can make real conditions differ from a simplified result.
- Use finite inputs in the displayed units, preserve source measurements and assumptions, and independently verify consequential decisions.
Alternative or Complementary approaches
Cross-check current charts, tide and weather services, instrument data, vessel manuals, and applicable navigation rules, and retain a conservative alternative plan.
References
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Maritime safety — Wikipedia contributors
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