GMRS Guide
Close-up of a handheld two-way radio's glowing display and channel knob at dusk

GMRS channels and frequencies: the complete chart

All 30 GMRS frequencies, the channel numbers radios use, how much power each allows and which ones are for repeaters, straight from the FCC rules.

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GMRS has 30 frequencies: 22 channels shared with FRS (numbered 1-22 on most radios) and 8 repeater input frequencies at 467 MHz. Channels 15-22 are the "main" channels where mobile and base radios may run up to 50 watts; channels 1-7 allow 5 watts ERP; channels 8-14 are limited to 0.5 watt from handhelds. The full chart is below, with every number taken from 47 CFR 95.1763 and 95.1767.

Where these numbers come from

We built this chart directly from the Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR, Title 47, current through October 1, 2026), read on October 3, 2026: the channel list in 95.1763, power limits in 95.1767, bandwidths in 95.1773, and the FRS channel numbering in 95.563. The GMRS rules list frequencies, not channel numbers; the 1-22 numbering comes from the FRS rule, and nearly every GMRS radio uses it. How we research.

The GMRS channel chart

ChFrequency (MHz)TypeWho may transmitMax powerBandwidth
1462.5625462 interstitialHandheld, mobile, base5 W ERP20 kHz
2462.5875462 interstitialHandheld, mobile, base5 W ERP20 kHz
3462.6125462 interstitialHandheld, mobile, base5 W ERP20 kHz
4462.6375462 interstitialHandheld, mobile, base5 W ERP20 kHz
5462.6625462 interstitialHandheld, mobile, base5 W ERP20 kHz
6462.6875462 interstitialHandheld, mobile, base5 W ERP20 kHz
7462.7125462 interstitialHandheld, mobile, base5 W ERP20 kHz
8467.5625467 interstitialHandheld only0.5 W ERP12.5 kHz
9467.5875467 interstitialHandheld only0.5 W ERP12.5 kHz
10467.6125467 interstitialHandheld only0.5 W ERP12.5 kHz
11467.6375467 interstitialHandheld only0.5 W ERP12.5 kHz
12467.6625467 interstitialHandheld only0.5 W ERP12.5 kHz
13467.6875467 interstitialHandheld only0.5 W ERP12.5 kHz
14467.7125467 interstitialHandheld only0.5 W ERP12.5 kHz
15462.5500462 mainHandheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed50 W output (mobile/base/repeater); 15 W fixed20 kHz
16462.5750462 mainHandheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed50 W output (mobile/base/repeater); 15 W fixed20 kHz
17462.6000462 mainHandheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed50 W output (mobile/base/repeater); 15 W fixed20 kHz
18462.6250462 mainHandheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed50 W output (mobile/base/repeater); 15 W fixed20 kHz
19462.6500462 mainHandheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed50 W output (mobile/base/repeater); 15 W fixed20 kHz
20462.6750462 mainHandheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed50 W output (mobile/base/repeater); 15 W fixed20 kHz
21462.7000462 mainHandheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed50 W output (mobile/base/repeater); 15 W fixed20 kHz
22462.7250462 mainHandheld, mobile, base, repeater, fixed50 W output (mobile/base/repeater); 15 W fixed20 kHz

The FCC rule doesn't set a separate main-channel power cap for handhelds; certified GMRS handhelds are typically rated around 5 watts. Under FCC definitions, a "fixed" station talks only to other fixed stations; the radio in your house is a "base" station.

The 8 repeater input frequencies

These are GMRS-only and aren't numbered channels on most radios. Handheld, mobile and control stations may transmit on them only when talking through a repeater (or for brief tests); fixed stations may also use them.

Repeater output (you listen)Repeater input (you transmit)Pairs with
462.5500467.5500Channel 15
462.5750467.5750Channel 16
462.6000467.6000Channel 17
462.6250467.6250Channel 18
462.6500467.6500Channel 19
462.6750467.6750Channel 20
462.7000467.7000Channel 21
462.7250467.7250Channel 22

Radio makers label these repeater pairs differently (for example "15R" or "RPT 1"), so check your manual. Our repeater guide explains tones and offsets in plain English.

An antenna on a hilltop tower at sunrise
A repeater listens 5 MHz up on 467 MHz and retransmits on the matching 462 MHz main channel.

How the 30 frequencies fit together

GMRS frequencies on two bands On the 462 megahertz band, main channels 15 to 22 alternate with interstitial channels 1 to 7. On the 467 megahertz band, repeater inputs alternate with interstitial channels 8 to 14. Each 462 main channel pairs with a 467 input five megahertz higher. 462 MHz 467 MHz +5 MHz pair main ch 15-22 (up to 50 W) interstitial 1-7 (5 W) / 8-14 (0.5 W) repeater inputs (GMRS only)
Main channels sit 25 kHz apart, with the interstitial channels squeezed in between. The 467 MHz band mirrors the 462 MHz band 5 MHz higher.

Which channel to use for what

The FCC doesn't reserve any GMRS channel for a specific purpose, but it does require every user to give priority to emergency communications on every channel (95.1731). In practice:

UseGood channelsWhy
Family handhelds at a campsite1-7 or 15-22Full handheld power; works with FRS radios too
Convoy with mobile radios15-22The only channels where mobiles may run high power
Short range, low interference8-140.5 W, handhelds only; often quieter
Talking through a repeaterThe repeater's pair (15R-22R) and its toneOnly GMRS radios can transmit on the inputs
Calling for helpAny channel, or a local repeaterNo channel is reserved; ask local groups which one they monitor
A mobile radio under a truck dashboard with a hand on the channel knob
Mobile radios may only use high power on channels 15-22; on 1-7 they're held to 5 W ERP and can't transmit on 8-14 at all.

A mobile like the Midland MXT275 handles the channel rules for you: GMRS-certified radios are built so you can't exceed the limits on each channel. That's one more reason to buy a certified GMRS radio rather than a programmable ham radio.

Privacy codes, tones and data

  • Privacy codes (CTCSS/DCS) are sub-audible tones. They filter what your radio plays; they don't hide your conversation. FCC rules allow these tones on Personal Radio Service channels (95.377) and bar voice scrambling on new equipment (95.381).
  • Repeater tones are the same CTCSS/DCS tones; many repeaters need the right one to open.
  • Location and text data from GMRS handhelds is allowed in short bursts on the 462 MHz channels and the 467 MHz interstitial channels, but never on the 467 MHz repeater inputs (95.1773, 95.1787).
A parent handing a handheld radio to a teenager at a campsite
Agree on a channel and a tone before the trip, and write them on a piece of tape on each radio.

How this compares with FRS

FRS uses channels 1-22 too, but at lower power: 2 watts ERP on 1-7 and 15-22, and 0.5 watt on 8-14 (95.567). FRS radios can't use repeaters. The full breakdown is in GMRS vs FRS. To transmit on GMRS at all you'll need a license; here's how to get one for $35.

The bottom line

Think of GMRS as three groups: channels 1-7 (5 W ERP, shared with FRS), channels 8-14 (0.5 W, handhelds only) and channels 15-22 (the high-power main channels, up to 50 W from mobiles and bases), plus eight repeater inputs 5 MHz above 15-22. Pick 15-22 for vehicles and bases, use repeaters for distance, and never trust a "privacy code" with anything private.

Frequencies and limits checked against 47 CFR Part 95 (eCFR) on October 3, 2026. Sources: 95.1763 · 95.1767 · 95.1773 · 95.563 · FCC GMRS. How we research · Affiliate disclosure

Questions people ask

How many channels does GMRS have?
30 frequencies: 16 main channels and 14 interstitial channels, per 47 CFR 95.1763. Radios show 22 of them as channels 1-22 (the same numbers as FRS). The other 8 are 467 MHz repeater input frequencies that radios use automatically when you select a repeater channel.
What GMRS channel should I use?
For handheld-to-handheld talk, any of 1-7 or 15-22 works; 15-22 allow the most power from mobile radios, so convoy and base groups usually pick one of those. Avoid 8-14 unless you're close together, since they're limited to 0.5 watt. If your area has a repeater, use its channel and tone.
Is there a GMRS emergency channel?
Not by rule. The FCC doesn't reserve a GMRS channel for emergencies; instead, any channel may be used for emergency or traveler-assistance calls and every user must give emergency traffic priority on every channel (47 CFR 95.1731). Some areas and clubs adopt a local calling channel, so ask your local repeater group what they monitor.
What are GMRS channels 8-14 for?
They're the 467 MHz interstitial channels. Only handheld radios may transmit on them, at no more than 0.5 watt ERP and 12.5 kHz bandwidth. They're shared with FRS and are best for short-range talk.
What is the GMRS repeater offset?
+5 MHz. Each 462 MHz main channel (15-22) pairs with a 467 MHz input exactly 5 MHz higher: 462.550 with 467.550, up to 462.725 with 467.725. Your radio transmits on the 467 MHz frequency and listens on the 462 MHz one.
Are privacy codes private?
No. CTCSS and DCS codes only stop your radio from playing transmissions that don't carry the same tone. Anyone on the channel with tones turned off still hears you. FCC rules also bar voice scrambling on new Personal Radio Service equipment.