Common Rectangular Waveguide Sizes and Frequency Ranges
This reference chart lists many of the most common rectangular microwave waveguide sizes used in radar, satellite, microwave relay, RF laboratories, broadcast, military, aerospace, and commercial wireless applications.
Dimensions shown are approximate inside dimensions of the waveguide opening and are based on standard WR-series rectangular waveguides.
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Waveguide Inside Width Inside Height Approx Frequency Range --------------------------------------------------------------------------- WR-2300 23.00" 11.50" 0.32 - 0.49 GHz WR-1500 15.00" 7.50" 0.49 - 0.75 GHz WR-1150 11.50" 5.75" 0.64 - 0.96 GHz WR-975 9.75" 4.88" 0.75 - 1.12 GHz WR-770 7.70" 3.85" 0.96 - 1.45 GHz WR-650 6.50" 3.25" 1.12 - 1.70 GHz WR-510 5.10" 2.55" 1.45 - 2.20 GHz WR-430 4.30" 2.15" 1.70 - 2.60 GHz WR-340 3.40" 1.70" 2.20 - 3.30 GHz WR-284 2.84" 1.34" 2.60 - 3.95 GHz WR-229 2.29" 1.15" 3.30 - 4.90 GHz WR-187 1.87" 0.94" 3.95 - 5.85 GHz WR-159 1.59" 0.80" 4.90 - 7.05 GHz WR-137 1.37" 0.62" 5.85 - 8.20 GHz WR-112 1.12" 0.50" 7.05 - 10.00 GHz WR-90 0.90" 0.40" 8.20 - 12.40 GHz WR-75 0.75" 0.38" 10.00 - 15.00 GHz WR-62 0.62" 0.31" 12.40 - 18.00 GHz WR-51 0.51" 0.26" 15.00 - 22.00 GHz WR-42 0.42" 0.17" 18.00 - 26.50 GHz WR-34 0.34" 0.17" 22.00 - 33.00 GHz WR-28 0.28" 0.14" 26.50 - 40.00 GHz WR-22 0.22" 0.11" 33.00 - 50.00 GHz WR-19 0.19" 0.10" 40.00 - 60.00 GHz WR-15 0.15" 0.08" 50.00 - 75.00 GHz WR-12 0.12" 0.06" 60.00 - 90.00 GHz WR-10 0.10" 0.05" 75.00 - 110.00 GHz WR-8 0.08" 0.04" 90.00 - 140.00 GHz WR-6 0.06" 0.03" 110.00 - 170.00 GHz WR-5 0.05" 0.025" 140.00 - 220.00 GHz WR-3 0.034" 0.017" 220.00 - 325.00 GHz
Understanding WR Numbers
- The WR number approximately represents the inside broad-wall dimension of the waveguide in hundredths of an inch.
- Example: WR-90 has an inside width of approximately 0.90 inches.
- Rectangular waveguide dimensions are standardized for predictable microwave propagation characteristics.
Common Microwave Bands
Band Approx Frequency Range Common Waveguides ------------------------------------------------------------------- L Band 1 - 2 GHz WR-650, WR-510 S Band 2 - 4 GHz WR-340, WR-284, WR-229 C Band 4 - 8 GHz WR-187, WR-159, WR-137 X Band 8 - 12 GHz WR-112, WR-90 Ku Band 12 - 18 GHz WR-75, WR-62 K Band 18 - 27 GHz WR-51, WR-42 Ka Band 27 - 40 GHz WR-34, WR-28 V Band 50 - 75 GHz WR-15 W Band 75 - 110 GHz WR-10
Important Notes
- Frequency ranges shown are approximate recommended operating ranges.
- Waveguides operate above cutoff frequency and below higher-order mode regions.
- Actual usable frequency range depends on application, power level, VSWR requirements, and mode purity.
- Most standard rectangular waveguides operate in the dominant TE10 mode.
- Waveguide systems generally provide lower loss than coaxial cable at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies.
- Common waveguide materials include aluminum, brass, copper, and plated steel.
- Flexible waveguide sections are often used to accommodate alignment and vibration requirements.
W5SWL Electronics – Microwave Waveguide Reference Guide