You’re eyeing passive RFID for inventory tracking, but one question nags: “How far will these tags actually read?” The truth? Passive RFID tag range varies wildly – from 2 inches to 50 feet – based on three key factors. Forget hype; here’s what works in the real world.
Frequency = Range Foundation
(Why your tag’s “DNA” matters)
Band
Range
Best For
Limitations
LF (125 kHz)
1-5 inches
Animal tags, access fobs
Shortest range
HF/NFC (13.56 MHz)
Up to 1 foot
Payments, library books
Metal/liquid interference
UHF (900 MHz)
3-30 feet
Warehouses, retail, tolls
Blocked by metal/liquid
🔎 Reality check: That “30-foot range” for UHF? Achievable only with large tags in open air. A compact UHF label on a metal toolbox? Maybe 3 feet.
What Kills Your Range (and Fixes)
(Environmental enemies & solutions)
Metal Surfaces:
Problem: Reflects UHF signals → 90% range loss
Fix: Use metal-mount tags (e.g., Cykeo’s MT-45 with foam spacer)
Liquids:
Problem: Water absorbs RF waves → UHF range drops
Fix: Switch to HF tags near liquids (e.g., medical vials)
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