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WiFi Throughput Calculator

Calculate real-world WiFi throughput from PHY rate to application layer

Each WiFi standard has different modulation schemes and maximum data rates. WiFi 6 (ax) uses 1024-QAM and OFDMA for highest efficiency.
Wider channels carry more data subcarriers. Each doubling of width roughly doubles PHY rate. Wider channels are more susceptible to interference.
MIMO spatial streams multiply throughput. Most phones support 2SS. Enterprise APs support 4-8SS. WiFi 7 supports up to 16SS.
Time between OFDM symbols to prevent inter-symbol interference. Shorter GI = higher throughput but less multipath tolerance. 802.11ax uses 0.8/1.6/3.2 us.
Modulation and Coding Scheme. Higher MCS = faster speed but requires better signal. MCS 9 = 256-QAM 5/6, MCS 11 = 1024-QAM 5/6 (ax/be).

Throughput Results

PHY (Physical Layer) RateMbps
MAC Efficiency%
MAC ThroughputMbps
Application Throughput (TCP)Mbps
Application Throughput (UDP)Mbps

Comparison Across Standards (2SS, 80MHz, MCS9)

StandardPHY Rate~App Throughput
WiFi 7 (be)1441 Mbps~1009 Mbps
WiFi 6 (ax)1201 Mbps~841 Mbps
WiFi 5 (ac)867 Mbps~520 Mbps
WiFi 4 (n)300 Mbps~165 Mbps
References: PHY rates from IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n MCS tables. MAC efficiency: ~65-75% for ax (OFDMA), ~55-65% for ac, ~50-60% for n. TCP overhead ~5-8% additional.