J-Pole Antenna Calculator

Find the radiator and matching-stub lengths for a J-pole antenna, the classic no-radials VHF/UHF vertical, at any frequency.

Long element
-
Matching stub (short)
-

A J-pole is a half-wave radiator fed by a quarter-wave matching stub, so it needs no radials. The long element is three quarters of a wavelength, the short stub is a quarter, both with a 0.95 velocity factor. The feed taps onto the stub an inch or two up; slide it for lowest SWR.

Frequently asked questions

What are the J-pole dimensions?

The long radiator is three quarters of a wavelength and the short matching stub is a quarter, each with a 0.95 velocity factor. For 2m at 146 MHz that is about 57.6 inches long and 19.2 inches short, the classic J-pole numbers.

Why does a J-pole need no radials?

The quarter-wave stub is an impedance-matching section that transforms the end-fed half-wave radiator down to 50 ohms, so the antenna is self-contained and end-fed. That makes it a favourite for masts and portable VHF/UHF use.

Where does the coax connect?

The feed taps onto the two stub conductors an inch or two above the bottom short. Start low and slide the tap up for the lowest SWR; the exact point depends on tubing size and spacing.