Signal-to-Noise Ratio Calculator
Calculate SNR for electronics, communications, and signal processing applications
Calculate Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Choose the type of SNR calculation based on your signal measurements
Magnitude of the desired signal
Magnitude of the background noise
SNR Results
Cannot establish reliable connection
Formula:
Input values: Signal: 0 W, Noise: 0 W
Example Calculation
Voltage SNR Example
Signal voltage: 6 V
Noise voltage: 4 V
SNR Type: Voltage SNR
Step-by-step Calculation
1. SNR = 20 × log₁₀(Signal / Noise)
2. SNR = 20 × log₁₀(6 / 4)
3. SNR = 20 × log₁₀(1.5)
4. SNR = 20 × 0.176 = 3.52 dB
Result: Good signal quality
SNR Quality Guidelines
SNR Calculation Types
Power SNR
10 × log₁₀(P_signal / P_noise)
Voltage SNR
20 × log₁₀(V_signal / V_noise)
Decibel SNR
Signal(dB) - Noise(dB)
Linear Ratio
Signal / Noise
Coefficient
Mean / Standard Deviation
Common Applications
Wireless communication systems
Audio and video processing
Radar and sonar systems
Digital signal processing
Medical imaging systems
Understanding Signal-to-Noise Ratio
What is SNR?
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is a measure that compares the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. It's expressed as a ratio and typically measured in decibels (dB). A higher SNR indicates better signal quality with less interference from noise.
Why is SNR Important?
- •Determines communication system performance
- •Affects data transmission reliability
- •Influences audio and video quality
- •Critical for scientific measurements
SNR Calculation Methods
Power SNR: SNR = 10 × log₁₀(P_signal / P_noise)
Voltage SNR: SNR = 20 × log₁₀(V_signal / V_noise)
Decibel SNR: SNR = Signal(dB) - Noise(dB)
Linear Ratio: SNR = Signal / Noise
Coefficient: SNR = μ / σ
Interpretation Guidelines
- Positive SNR: Signal stronger than noise
- Zero SNR: Signal equals noise level
- Negative SNR: Noise stronger than signal
- Higher values: Better signal quality
Types of Noise
- •Thermal noise: Random motion of electrons
- •Electronic noise: Circuit component variations
- •Quantum noise: Fundamental physics limitations
- •Environmental noise: External interference
- •Acoustic noise: Sound interference
Practical Applications
- •WiFi networks: Minimum 20 dB for reliable internet
- •Voice calls: Minimum 25 dB for clear audio
- •Digital TV: Minimum 15 dB for acceptable quality
- •Scientific instruments: Often require > 40 dB
- •Audio equipment: 60+ dB for high fidelity