Cable Signal Distance Calculator — Max Length by Cable Type & Resolution

Will your cable run work? Check maximum distance by type and resolution

Cable Check

Partial

Cable

HDMI 2.0

Run

25 ft

Cable Run Length (ft)

HDMI 2.0

Partial

25 ft cable run

Signal Support

1080p 60Hz

Max: 50 ft

50% margin

4K 30Hz

Max: 25 ft

0% margin

4K 60Hz

Max: 15 ft

Too long

Example Calculations

1HDMI 2.0 at 25 ft for 4K@60Hz

Inputs

Cable TypeHDMI 2.0

Run Length25 ft

Signal4K@60Hz

Result

StatusToo Long (max 15 ft)

HDMI 2.0 supports 4K@60Hz to 15 ft max. A 25 ft run exceeds the limit. Use an active HDMI cable or fiber HDMI.

2Cat6a at 200 ft for 10 Gbps

Inputs

Cable TypeEthernet (Cat6a)

Run Length200 ft

Signal10 Gbps

Result

StatusOK (39% margin)

Cat6a supports 10 Gbps to 328 ft. At 200 ft, you have 128 ft (39%) margin. Safe run.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can an HDMI cable be?

HDMI 2.0: up to 50 ft for 1080p, 25 ft for 4K 30Hz, 15 ft for 4K 60Hz. HDMI 2.1: 10 ft for 4K 120Hz, 6 ft for 8K. Active cables or fiber HDMI extends to 100+ ft for 4K.

HDMI 2.0 1080p: up to 50 ft (15m)
HDMI 2.0 4K@60: up to 15 ft (5m)
HDMI 2.1 4K@120: up to 10 ft (3m)
HDMI 2.1 8K@60: up to 6 ft (2m)
Active/fiber HDMI: 50-300 ft for 4K

Cable	1080p	4K@60Hz	8K@60Hz
HDMI 2.0	50 ft	15 ft	N/A
HDMI 2.1	50 ft	10 ft	6 ft
DisplayPort 1.4	50 ft	10 ft	N/A
USB-C (passive)	6.6 ft	6.6 ft	N/A

What is the maximum Ethernet cable length?

Cat5e/Cat6: 328 ft (100m) for 1 Gbps. Cat6 at 10 Gbps: limited to 180 ft (55m). Cat6a at 10 Gbps: full 328 ft (100m). For longer runs, use fiber optic or a network switch to repeat the signal.

Cat5e: 328 ft for 1 Gbps
Cat6: 328 ft for 1 Gbps, 180 ft for 10 Gbps
Cat6a: 328 ft for 10 Gbps
Cat7: 328 ft for 10 Gbps (shielded)
Fiber: 300+ ft for 10 Gbps (OM3)

How long can a USB-C cable be?

Passive USB-C: 6.6 ft (2m) for full speed. Active USB-C/Thunderbolt: up to 16 ft (5m). USB 2.0 mode: up to 13 ft (4m). For longer runs, use active cables or USB hubs as repeaters.

USB4/TB4 passive: 6.6 ft (2m)
USB4/TB4 active: 16 ft (5m)
USB 3.2 Gen 2: 10 ft (3m)
USB 2.0 mode: 13 ft (4m)
Active cables have built-in signal boosters

When should I use fiber optic instead of copper?

Use fiber for runs over 150 ft (50m), especially for 10 Gbps+. Fiber is immune to electromagnetic interference, lighter, and supports much longer distances. OM3 multimode: 300m for 10G, 100m for 40G.

Over 150 ft: consider fiber
Near electrical interference: use fiber
10 Gbps+ at distance: fiber is required
OM3 multimode: 300m for 10G
Single mode: up to 10+ km

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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.