Bluetooth Range Estimation Calculator Using RSSI

Bluetooth communication range is influenced by signal strength, environmental conditions and hardware design. RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is a widely used metric to estimate distance between Bluetooth devices. The Bluetooth Range Estimation Calculator uses RSSI based formulas to provide an approximate distance measurement.

Bluetooth Range Estimation using RSSI Calculator

Inputs

Outputs

INPUTS:

  • Transmit power = -50 dBm
  • RSSI = -70 dBm
  • Path Loss Exponent = 2.5

OUTPUT:

  • Bluetooth Range = 6.3 meters

Bluetooth Range using RSSI Formula

Bluetooth Range as per RSSI

Where,

  • TxPower = Transmit power in dBm
  • RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is a relative measure of signal power received by a device. It is typically expressed in negative dBm values:
    • Higher (less negative) RSSI → stronger signal
    • Lower (more negative) RSSI → weaker signal
  • n is the path loss exponent which is environment dependent

Summary: The Bluetooth Range Estimation Calculator uses RSSI based formulas to estimate the approximate distance between Bluetooth devices. By considering signal strength, transmit power and environmental factors, this tool helps assess coverage, connection stability, and proximity detection performance. It is widely used in BLE deployments, indoor positioning systems and wireless coverage planning.

References for further study

  1. Bluetooth Core Specification
  • Official specification defining RSSI, transmit power and link budget concepts.
  1. Indoor Positioning Systems Using RSSI Measurements
  • Academic papers explaining RSSI based distance estimation models.
  1. Log Distance Path Loss Model Documentation
  • Explains the propagation model commonly used in RSSI distance calculations.
  1. Texas Instruments (BLE RSSI and Distance Estimation Application Notes)
  • Practical guidance on interpreting RSSI values in real environments.