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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hame-q-bandwidth

In a resonant circuit, what does a higher Q do to the bandwidth?

Narrower, since bandwidth equals center frequency divided by Q.

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  1. Makes it wider
  2. Nothing, they are unrelated
  3. Makes it narrower ✔

Why: The relationship is bandwidth equals center frequency divided by Q. A higher Q therefore means a narrower bandwidth and a more selective circuit.

Huh, didn't know that: Raising the Q of an impedance-matching network narrows its matching bandwidth.

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References

Answer: Makes it narrower. The relationship is bandwidth equals center frequency divided by Q. A higher Q therefore means a narrower bandwidth and a more selective circuit.

  1. Workforce LibreTexts, 6.06 Q Factor and Bandwidth of a Resonant Circuit workforce.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Electronics_Technology/Electric_Circuits_II_-_Alternating_Current_(Kuphaldt)/06%3A_Resonance/6.06%3A_Q_Factor_and_Bandwidth_of_a_Resonant_Circuit
    Since BW = f c /Q
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NCVEC 2024-2028 Amateur Extra Question Pool, E5A05 (4th errata, Feb. 4, 2026) www.ncvec.org/downloads/2024-2028%20Extra%20Class%20Question%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20with%204th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    A. Matching bandwidth is decreased
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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