RadioBuilt/Guides/GMRS frequencies & channels
GMRS Frequencies & Channels Chart: All 30
The General Mobile Radio Service — GMRS — has 30 allotted channels. But most GMRS radios show only channels 1–22 on the screen. Both numbers are correct.
The first 22 are the familiar channel positions shared with FRS. GMRS also has eight additional 467 MHz main channels used as repeater inputs. So the practical channel plan is:
This chart shows, for every channel:
- Frequency
- Channel type
- Applicable GMRS power limit
- Authorized bandwidth
- Which station types may transmit
- FRS sharing
- Repeater pairing
The regulatory values below are based on 47 CFR Part 95. One warning before the chart: channels 8–14 are capped at half a watt and are handheld-only — the single most common reason a new GMRS radio “has no range.”
Last updated: · Regulatory review: November 8, 2026 · Values checked against 47 CFR Part 95, Subpart E
GMRS channel plan at a glance
Four groups, four very different sets of rules. Everything else on this page is detail — start here and you already know where the traps are.
462 MHz interstitial
Up to 5 W ERP
Handheld, mobile and base stations.
Shared with FRS.
467 MHz interstitial
0.5 W ERP maximum
Handheld portable units only.
Shared with FRS.
462 MHz main
Up to 50 W output*
Mobile, repeater and base stations. Fixed stations limited to 15 W.
Shared with FRS for simplex; also the repeater outputs.
467 MHz main
Exactly +5 MHz
Eight frequencies 5 MHz above channels 15–22, used when communicating through a repeater.
Not FRS channels.
*The 50 W figure is transmitter output for mobile, repeater and base stations on the main channels. See why ERP and transmitter output are not the same measurement.
Why do some sources say GMRS has 22 channels and others say 30?
Because they are describing the channel plan in different ways. The FCC describes GMRS as 16 main channels + 14 interstitial channels = 30 channels. Most consumer radios present the frequencies shared with FRS as channels 1–22, then expose the eight additional 467 MHz repeater-input frequencies through repeater memories such as 15R–22R or RPT15–RPT22.
Are channels 1–22 official GMRS channel numbers?
There is an important technical distinction. The GMRS rule in 47 CFR §95.1763 defines channel classes and center frequencies. The familiar numerical sequence 1 through 22 appears explicitly in the FRS channel structure, and all 22 FRS channels are also allotted to GMRS on a shared basis. Consumer GMRS radios therefore commonly use the same 1–22 numbering because it makes interoperability simple.
For practical use: calling 462.5750 MHz “Channel 16” is completely normal.
But when reading the GMRS regulation itself, expect to see frequency classes rather than an FCC table numbered neatly from 1 to 30. That difference explains why frequency charts on the internet can look different while still listing the same frequencies.
The complete GMRS frequency chart — all 30 channels
Filter the chart by group, or leave it on All to see the full plan. Frequencies in MHz. Power is the FCC maximum for the channel and station type — not what a given radio actually outputs.
Showing all 30 channels.
| Ch. | Frequency | GMRS class | GMRS limit | Bandwidth | GMRS station types | FRS | Repeater pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channels 1–7 — 462 MHz InterstitialUseful for ordinary simplex. GMRS up to 5 W ERP; FRS radios share these frequencies at lower FRS power. | |||||||
| 1 | 462.5625 MHz | 462 interstitial | 5 W ERP | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base | Shared | — simplex |
| 2 | 462.5875 MHz | 462 interstitial | 5 W ERP | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base | Shared | — simplex |
| 3 | 462.6125 MHz | 462 interstitial | 5 W ERP | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base | Shared | — simplex |
| 4 | 462.6375 MHz | 462 interstitial | 5 W ERP | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base | Shared | — simplex |
| 5 | 462.6625 MHz | 462 interstitial | 5 W ERP | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base | Shared | — simplex |
| 6 | 462.6875 MHz | 462 interstitial | 5 W ERP | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base | Shared | — simplex |
| 7 | 462.7125 MHz | 462 interstitial | 5 W ERP | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base | Shared | — simplex |
| Channels 8–14 — 467 MHz Interstitial · The Low-Power GroupHandheld only0.5 W ERP, 12.5 kHz, handheld portable units only. Check this group before your group picks a primary channel. | |||||||
| 8 | 467.5625 MHz | 467 interstitial | 0.5 W ERP | 12.5 kHz | Handheld only | Shared | — simplex |
| 9 | 467.5875 MHz | 467 interstitial | 0.5 W ERP | 12.5 kHz | Handheld only | Shared | — simplex |
| 10 | 467.6125 MHz | 467 interstitial | 0.5 W ERP | 12.5 kHz | Handheld only | Shared | — simplex |
| 11 | 467.6375 MHz | 467 interstitial | 0.5 W ERP | 12.5 kHz | Handheld only | Shared | — simplex |
| 12 | 467.6625 MHz | 467 interstitial | 0.5 W ERP | 12.5 kHz | Handheld only | Shared | — simplex |
| 13 | 467.6875 MHz | 467 interstitial | 0.5 W ERP | 12.5 kHz | Handheld only | Shared | — simplex |
| 14 | 467.7125 MHz | 467 interstitial | 0.5 W ERP | 12.5 kHz | Handheld only | Shared | — simplex |
| Channels 15–22 — 462 MHz Main ChannelsSimplex and repeater outputs. The only channels that allow up to 50 W transmitter output for applicable stations. | |||||||
| 15 | 462.5500 MHz | 462 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base, repeater | Shared | Input 467.5500 |
| 16 | 462.5750 MHz | 462 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base, repeater | Shared | Input 467.5750 |
| 17 | 462.6000 MHz | 462 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base, repeater | Shared | Input 467.6000 |
| 18 | 462.6250 MHz | 462 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base, repeater | Shared | Input 467.6250 |
| 19 | 462.6500 MHz | 462 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base, repeater | Shared | Input 467.6500 |
| 20 | 462.6750 MHz | 462 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base, repeater | Shared | Input 467.6750 |
| 21 | 462.7000 MHz | 462 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base, repeater | Shared | Input 467.7000 |
| 22 | 462.7250 MHz | 462 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Mobile, handheld, base, repeater | Shared | Input 467.7250 |
| Repeater Inputs 15R–22R — 467 MHz Main ChannelsThe eight additional GMRS channels. Your radio transmits here only when working through a repeater — see the pairs table below. | |||||||
| 15R | 467.5500 MHz | 467 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Via repeater only† | — | Output 462.5500 |
| 16R | 467.5750 MHz | 467 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Via repeater only† | — | Output 462.5750 |
| 17R | 467.6000 MHz | 467 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Via repeater only† | — | Output 462.6000 |
| 18R | 467.6250 MHz | 467 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Via repeater only† | — | Output 462.6250 |
| 19R | 467.6500 MHz | 467 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Via repeater only† | — | Output 462.6500 |
| 20R | 467.6750 MHz | 467 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Via repeater only† | — | Output 462.6750 |
| 21R | 467.7000 MHz | 467 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Via repeater only† | — | Output 462.7000 |
| 22R | 467.7250 MHz | 467 main | Up to 50 W* | 20 kHz | Via repeater only† | — | Output 462.7250 |
*The FCC main-channel power rule permits mobile, repeater and base stations up to 50 W transmitter output. Fixed stations are limited to 15 W. Actual certified equipment may operate at lower power. Handhelds are limited by their own certified output on every channel.
†For mobile, handheld portable and control stations, transmission on the 467 MHz main frequencies is allowed only when communicating through a repeater or making permitted brief test transmissions. Fixed stations are treated separately under the FCC station rules.
Why channels 8–14 are different
These seven channels cause a lot of beginner confusion. They are not simply another seven normal GMRS channels. Under FCC rules: only handheld portable GMRS units may transmit on them; maximum power is 0.5 watt ERP; authorized GMRS bandwidth is 12.5 kHz.
That means a vehicle-mounted mobile radio cannot simply transmit on channel 10 because a handheld in the convoy can. Check this before a group chooses its primary channel. Remember it as:
Channels 8–14 = handheld only + 0.5 W ERP + 12.5 kHz
The eight GMRS repeater inputs
The additional eight GMRS channels are the 467 MHz main frequencies. Consumer radios may label them 15R–22R, RPT15–RPT22, REPEATER 15–22, or similar names. Those labels are radio-interface conventions — the FCC rules define the frequencies themselves rather than standardizing those display names.
| Common radio label | Radio listens on | Radio transmits to repeater on | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15R | 462.5500 MHz | 467.5500 MHz | +5 MHz |
| 16R | 462.5750 MHz | 467.5750 MHz | +5 MHz |
| 17R | 462.6000 MHz | 467.6000 MHz | +5 MHz |
| 18R | 462.6250 MHz | 467.6250 MHz | +5 MHz |
| 19R | 462.6500 MHz | 467.6500 MHz | +5 MHz |
| 20R | 462.6750 MHz | 467.6750 MHz | +5 MHz |
| 21R | 462.7000 MHz | 467.7000 MHz | +5 MHz |
| 22R | 462.7250 MHz | 467.7250 MHz | +5 MHz |
Repeater input = corresponding 462 MHz output + 5 MHz. Example — channel 20: output 462.6750 MHz, input 467.6750 MHz. A properly configured GMRS radio handles that transmit/receive split for you.
Simplex vs repeater
Simplex: both radios transmit and receive directly on the same frequency — 462.5750 → 462.5750. That is normal radio-to-radio communication.
Repeater: your radio listens on one frequency and transmits on another. The repeater receives your 467 MHz transmission and rebroadcasts it on 462 MHz, usually from high ground — which is why a repeater can connect radios that cannot hear each other directly.
Two hard rules: GMRS repeaters may not be linked over the internet or another network to carry conversations (47 CFR 95.1733(a)(8) and 95.1749 — networks are for remote control only), and no GMRS channel permits encryption.
Repeater inputs are not normal simplex channels
The eight 467 MHz main frequencies are primarily the input side of repeater pairs. For mobile, handheld portable and control stations, FCC rules allow transmission on them only when communicating through a repeater or making permitted brief test transmissions.
Do not treat 15R–22R as eight extra simplex channels.
New to the service itself? Start with What Is GMRS? — channels, repeaters and range explained as one system.
What does ERP mean — and why the chart uses two kinds of watts
Channels 1–14 use power limits expressed as ERP — Effective Radiated Power. ERP is not exactly the number of watts leaving the transmitter: it reflects the effective radiated output of the whole antenna system. That is different from the main-channel rule for mobile, repeater and base stations, which specifies maximum transmitter output power.
So 5 W ERP and 50 W transmitter output are not measuring exactly the same thing — which is why a careful chart should never just write “watts” beside every channel without saying which measurement it means.
GMRS bandwidth by channel
The FCC also specifies maximum authorized bandwidth. Channels 8–14 are once again the exception:
Which GMRS channels are shared with FRS?
All 22 FRS channels are also allotted to GMRS on a shared basis. FRS and GMRS radios can communicate on those shared frequencies when both radios use the same channel, their tone settings are compatible, and they are within usable range. But the operating rules are not identical — FRS power is lower on most channels, and FRS has no repeater operation at all.
GMRS has additional operating privileges on several of the same frequencies. Full side-by-side: GMRS vs FRS: What's the Difference? →
Important: GMRS restrictions near the Canadian border
An additional operating restriction matters in parts of the northern United States. FCC license conditions and federal interoperability guidance identify restrictions north of Line A and east of Line C involving 462.6500 MHz, 467.6500 MHz, 462.7000 MHz and 467.7000 MHz — the channel-19 and channel-21 main/repeater pairs.
If you operate near the U.S.–Canada border, do not rely on a generic frequency chart alone. Check the conditions on your FCC authorization, current FCC rules and guidance, and any applicable international-border restrictions.
What are GMRS tones?
A repeater may require a CTCSS tone or a DCS code before it responds to your transmission. Tones do not create a separate frequency — they are an access and squelch-control mechanism used on the existing channel.
A “privacy code” is not private
Despite the wording on some consumer radios, other users on the same frequency can still receive your transmission if their radios are configured appropriately. Tone = filtering/access. Tone ≠ encryption.
One practical catch: tone code numbers differ by brand — one maker's code 22 is not another's. Share the actual tone in Hz (CTCSS) or the DCS code with your group, not just a menu number.
Channel conventions are not FCC rules
GMRS groups sometimes adopt preferred channels for specific activities, and those practices can be useful. But a club, convoy, trail group or local community agreeing to use a particular channel does not make it an FCC-designated national channel. Always agree on a channel with your own group before operating.
Channel 20 — 462.6750 MHz with 141.3 Hz CTCSS is described as a traveler-assistance or travel convention. That pairing has appeared in federal interoperability reference material and has a long history in GMRS community use — but it is not an exclusive FCC-designated national emergency channel, and a repeater on 462.6750 MHz may use a completely different access tone. Never assume every channel-20 repeater uses 141.3 Hz.
Is there an official GMRS emergency channel?
GMRS rules allow emergency communications and traveler assistance, and emergency traffic receives priority. But the frequency table does not turn channel 20 — or any other channel — into an exclusive nationwide emergency channel. For practical family or group planning:
- Choose a primary channel.
- Choose a backup channel.
- Agree on tone settings if used.
- Practice before you need the radios.
- Know which repeaters are available locally.
- Do not assume someone is monitoring a specific channel.
Which channel should my group use?
There is no single best channel for every group — but the channel plan gives you clear decision rules.
Handhelds + vehicles
Avoid channels 8–14 as your primary group channel — mobile stations are not authorized to transmit on those 467 MHz interstitial channels. Channels 15–22 are usually easier for mixed groups: they support the applicable GMRS station types and correspond to repeater outputs.
Handheld-to-handheld
Typical compliant handheld radios provide channels across the shared 1–22 structure. Channels 1–7 give you up to 5 W ERP; remember that 8–14 are limited to 0.5 W ERP, so expect short range there.
Through a repeater
Use the frequency and tone specified by the repeater operator. Do not guess the tone, and do not assume every repeater is open for unrestricted use.
Three GMRS channel mistakes beginners make
Thinking GMRS has only 22 channels
It has 30 allotted channels: 22 familiar shared FRS/GMRS positions, plus eight 467 MHz main repeater-input channels.
Treating 8–14 like normal mobile channels
They are not. Handheld only + 0.5 W ERP + 12.5 kHz — a vehicle radio cannot legally transmit there.
Treating repeater inputs like extra simplex channels
For normal mobile and handheld use, the 467 MHz main frequencies are part of repeater operation — not eight bonus channels for convoy or family simplex.
Quick GMRS channel reference
5 W ERP · 20 kHz
462 MHz interstitial · Handheld / mobile / base · Shared with FRS
0.5 W ERP · 12.5 kHz
467 MHz interstitial · Handheld only · Shared with FRS
Up to 50 W · 20 kHz
462 MHz main · Shared with FRS · Repeater outputs
+5 MHz · 20 kHz
467 MHz main · Repeater inputs · GMRS only
GMRS frequency FAQ
What frequencies does GMRS use?
GMRS uses designated channels in the 462 MHz and 467 MHz UHF ranges.
How many GMRS channels are there?
The FCC allots 30 channels to GMRS: 16 main channels and 14 interstitial channels.
Why does my GMRS radio only show 22 channels?
Most consumer radios display the 22 familiar channel numbers shared with FRS and handle the eight additional GMRS repeater inputs through separate repeater memories such as 15R–22R.
What frequency is GMRS channel 1?
462.5625 MHz
What frequency is GMRS channel 16?
462.5750 MHz
What frequency is GMRS channel 20?
462.6750 MHz
What are the GMRS repeater output frequencies?
The eight standard GMRS repeater outputs are:
- 462.5500 MHz
- 462.5750 MHz
- 462.6000 MHz
- 462.6250 MHz
- 462.6500 MHz
- 462.6750 MHz
- 462.7000 MHz
- 462.7250 MHz
What are the GMRS repeater input frequencies?
The corresponding repeater inputs are:
- 467.5500 MHz
- 467.5750 MHz
- 467.6000 MHz
- 467.6250 MHz
- 467.6500 MHz
- 467.6750 MHz
- 467.7000 MHz
- 467.7250 MHz
What is the GMRS repeater offset?
For the standard GMRS repeater pairs: +5 MHz. Example: receive on 462.6750 MHz, transmit to the repeater on 467.6750 MHz.
Which GMRS channels allow 50 watts?
The main-channel rules permit applicable mobile, repeater and base stations to use up to 50 W transmitter output. Fixed stations are limited to 15 W. Actual radios may operate at lower power.
Which GMRS channels are limited to 0.5 watt?
Channels 8–14 are 467 MHz interstitial channels limited to 0.5 W ERP and handheld portable units.
Can a mobile GMRS radio transmit on channels 8–14?
No. The FCC restricts transmission on the 467 MHz interstitial channels corresponding to channels 8–14 to handheld portable units.
Are GMRS and FRS frequencies the same?
FRS has 22 channels. All 22 of those frequencies are also allotted to GMRS on a shared basis. GMRS additionally has eight 467 MHz main channels associated with repeater input.
Can FRS radios use GMRS repeaters?
No. FRS does not provide repeater operation.
Are GMRS privacy codes actually private?
No. CTCSS and DCS tones help filter received traffic or control repeater access. They do not encrypt your conversation.
Is channel 20 an official emergency channel?
No exclusive nationwide GMRS emergency-channel designation is created by the frequency table. GMRS rules permit emergency communications and traveler assistance, and community/interoperability conventions exist around particular channels.
Download and keep the chart
All three downloads below are generated from the exact same channel data as the chart on this page, so the web chart and your offline copies never drift apart.
Full chart — CSV
All 30 channels with class, power limit, bandwidth, station types, FRS sharing and repeater pairing. Opens in any spreadsheet and imports into most programming workflows.
One-page chart — text
A compact one-page reference of all 30 channels, formatted to print or keep with the radio. This page also prints cleanly from your browser if you prefer paper.
Glovebox reference card
The four channel groups, the 8–14 warning, the repeater rule and the group-planning checklist on one small card for the glovebox or radio bag.
Before you transmit on any of these channels
Listening needs no license. Transmitting on GMRS does: the FCC license costs $35, runs 10 years, and requires no exam. One individual license can also authorize qualifying immediate family members under FCC rules.
Know the channel. Then understand the range.
Frequency tells you where the radio operates. It does not tell you how far the signal will travel. Usable GMRS range depends on terrain, antenna height, antenna placement, obstructions, transmitter power, the antenna system and repeater elevation. GMRS is primarily line-of-sight dependent, so terrain and antenna height strongly influence usable range.
Continue learning GMRS
RadioBuilt source standard
This chart separates three different kinds of information. Those three categories should never be presented as if they carry the same authority.
Regulation
Channel allocations, station types, power limits and authorized bandwidth — checked against 47 CFR Part 95.
Manufacturer labels
Labels such as channels 1–22, 15R–22R and RPT15–RPT22, as presented by radio manufacturers — not FCC numbering.
Local practice
Practices adopted by clubs, travelers, trail groups or other GMRS users that are not FCC channel designations — including the channel-20 travel convention.
Regulatory basis
- 47 CFR §95.1763 — GMRS channels
- 47 CFR §95.1767 — GMRS transmitting power limits
- 47 CFR §95.1773 — GMRS authorized bandwidths
- 47 CFR §95.563 — FRS channels
- 47 CFR §95.567 — FRS transmit power
- 47 CFR §95.1731 — permissible GMRS communications
- Applicable FCC authorization conditions and federal interoperability guidance for northern-border restrictions
Regulatory review: November 8, 2026. RadioBuilt re-checks this reference whenever FCC Part 95 rules, license conditions or relevant border restrictions materially change.
Channel data: 47 CFR Part 95 Subpart E (§95.1763, §95.1767, §95.1773) and the FCC General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) page. Channel numbers 1–22, labels 15R–22R and the channel-20 travel pairing are consumer-radio and community conventions, not FCC designations.