Microwave frequency bands

The microwave spectrum is usually defined as electromagnetic energy ranging from approximately 1 GHz to 1000 GHz in frequency, but older usage includes lower frequencies. Most common applications are within the 1 to 40 GHz range. Microwave frequency bands, as defined by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), are shown in the table below:

Microwave frequency bands Designation
Frequency range
L band
1 to 2 GHz
S band
2 to 4 GHz
C band
4 to 8 GHz
X band
8 to 12 GHz
Ku band
12 to 18 GHz
K band
18 to 26.5 GHz
Ka band
26.5 to 40 GHz
Q band
30 to 50 GHz
U band
40 to 60 GHz
V band
50 to 75 GHz
E band
60 to 90 GHz
W band
75 to 110 GHz
F band
90 to 140 GHz
D band
110 to 170 GHz (Hot)
The term P band is sometimes used for Ku Band. For other definitions see Letter Designations of Microwave Bands