Reference

US Amateur Band Plan

Frequency allocations and what each band is good for, from 2200 m through 23 cm. Tap any band for a full guide to its propagation, modes, and antennas, or browse the band guide. Privileges vary by license class — see the ARRL band chart for the authoritative sub-band details.

BandFrequencyClassTypical use

2200 m 135.7–137.8 kHz LF CW, very narrow digital; experimental low-band

630 m 472–479 kHz MF CW, WSPR/FT8; weak-signal experimentation

160 m 1.800–2.000 MHz MF Top band — CW/SSB, nighttime DX

80 m 3.500–4.000 MHz HF Regional nets, CW/SSB/digital; better at night

60 m 5 channels (5.33–5.41 MHz) HF USB/CW/digital, channelized, 100 W ERP limit

40 m 7.000–7.300 MHz HF Reliable day & night — CW/SSB/FT8, lots of DX

30 m 10.100–10.150 MHz HF CW & digital only (no phone), 200 W limit

20 m 14.000–14.350 MHz HF The DX workhorse — daytime worldwide

17 m 18.068–18.168 MHz HF Quieter DX band, CW/SSB/digital

15 m 21.000–21.450 MHz HF Daytime DX, great in high solar activity

12 m 24.890–24.990 MHz HF DX when the sun cooperates

10 m 28.000–29.700 MHz HF Sporadic-E & F2 DX; FM repeaters up high

6 m 50.000–54.000 MHz VHF The “magic band” — Es, tropo, meteor scatter

2 m 144.000–148.000 MHz VHF FM repeaters, SSB/CW weak-signal, satellites

1.25 m 222–225 MHz VHF FM/repeaters; underused, good for local

70 cm 420–450 MHz UHF Repeaters, satellites, ATV, weak-signal

33 cm 902–928 MHz UHF Digital, experimental, mesh

23 cm 1240–1300 MHz UHF Repeaters, satellites, EME, experimentation

Quick reference only — always confirm current allocations and your license privileges with the FCC / ARRL.

Frequently asked questions

What is a ham radio band plan?

A band plan is the agreed map of which frequencies amateur radio operators may use, broken down by band, mode (CW, phone, digital), and license class. It keeps activity organized so CW, SSB, FT8, and repeaters don’t collide.

What frequencies can a Technician license use?

In the US, Technicians get full privileges on every amateur band above 50 MHz — 6 m, 2 m, 1.25 m, 70 cm and up — which covers most repeater, FM, and satellite work. On HF they also get CW on 80, 40, and 15 meters and CW/SSB/digital on 10 meters (28.0–28.5 MHz).

What is the 20 meter band used for?

20 meters (14.000–14.350 MHz) is the premier daytime DX band — reliable worldwide propagation, busy with SSB, CW, and FT8. It’s where most HF operators chase long-distance contacts when the sun is up.

What’s the difference between HF, VHF, and UHF?

HF (3–30 MHz) bounces off the ionosphere for long-distance “skywave” contacts. VHF (30–300 MHz, e.g. 2 m) and UHF (300 MHz–3 GHz, e.g. 70 cm) are mostly line-of-sight — used for local repeaters, FM simplex, and satellites.

Can I transmit anywhere within a band?

No. Each band is split into sub-bands by mode and license class — CW and digital modes near the low edge, phone (voice) higher up. Always confirm your privileges against the official FCC rules and the ARRL band chart.