HDMI Cable Max Length Calculator
Find the maximum recommended HDMI cable length for your resolution and refresh rate.
Avoid signal loss and display issues.
HDMI cables do not have a fixed maximum length specified by the HDMI standard. Instead, the maximum length depends on the cable’s quality, the version of HDMI, and the resolution and refresh rate being transmitted. Higher resolutions and refresh rates require more bandwidth, which means signal quality degrades over shorter distances.
HDMI bandwidth requirements:
| Resolution & Refresh Rate | Bandwidth Required |
|---|---|
| 1080p @ 60Hz | 4.95 Gbps |
| 1440p @ 60Hz | 8.91 Gbps |
| 4K @ 30Hz | 10.2 Gbps |
| 4K @ 60Hz (HDR) | 18 Gbps |
| 4K @ 120Hz or 8K @ 30Hz | 48 Gbps |
HDMI versions and their bandwidth:
- HDMI 1.4: 10.2 Gbps — supports 4K @ 30Hz
- HDMI 2.0: 18 Gbps — supports 4K @ 60Hz with HDR
- HDMI 2.1: 48 Gbps — supports 4K @ 120Hz, 8K @ 60Hz
Practical passive cable length limits:
| Signal | Standard Copper Cable | High-Speed Cable |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p @ 60Hz | 12–15m (40–50ft) | Up to 20m (65ft) |
| 4K @ 30Hz | 7–10m (23–33ft) | Up to 15m (50ft) |
| 4K @ 60Hz | 3–5m (10–16ft) | 5–7m with premium cable |
| 4K @ 120Hz | 1–3m (3–10ft) | Requires active cable |
Active vs passive cables:
- Passive cables: Standard copper cables. Signal quality degrades with length.
- Active copper cables: Have a built-in chip to boost the signal. Support longer runs (up to 25–30m for 4K).
- Fiber optic HDMI cables: Can run 50–100m with minimal signal loss. Required for very long 4K or 8K runs. Not bi-directional (must be connected correctly).
For runs over 15m: Consider HDMI extenders over Cat5e/6 cable (using baluns) or HDBaseT, which can transmit HDMI signals over 100m of network cable.
Key rule: If buying a new cable, buy the shortest length that works for your installation. Every meter adds a small amount of signal degradation.