An inverted-V is a centre-fed dipole with the two legs sloping down from a single high support, so you only need one tall mast or tree. That makes it a favourite for backyards and portable operating.
The legs run a couple of percent longer than a flat dipole because the drooping shape lowers the resonant frequency. Only the apex needs to be high; keep the included angle between the legs at 90 degrees or wider. It feeds near 50 ohms through a 1:1 current balun and radiates in a nearly omnidirectional pattern.
| Band | Total wire length (both legs) | Each leg from the apex |
|---|---|---|
| 160m | 76.45 m / 250.8 ft | 38.22 m / 125.4 ft |
| 80m | 38.73 m / 127.1 ft | 19.37 m / 63.5 ft |
| 60m | 27.11 m / 89.0 ft | 13.56 m / 44.5 ft |
| 40m | 20.46 m / 67.1 ft | 10.23 m / 33.6 ft |
| 30m | 14.35 m / 47.1 ft | 7.17 m / 23.5 ft |
| 20m | 10.25 m / 33.6 ft | 5.12 m / 16.8 ft |
| 17m | 8.02 m / 26.3 ft | 4.01 m / 13.2 ft |
| 15m | 6.84 m / 22.5 ft | 3.42 m / 11.2 ft |
| 12m | 5.82 m / 19.1 ft | 2.91 m / 9.6 ft |
| 10m | 5.10 m / 16.7 ft | 2.55 m / 8.4 ft |
| 6m | 2.88 m / 9.4 ft | 1.44 m / 4.7 ft |
Model this antenna interactively → for gain, takeoff angle and azimuth/elevation patterns.
An inverted-V is a dipole whose legs slope down from one central support. It needs only one high point, has a lower and more omnidirectional pattern, and its legs are cut slightly longer than a flat dipole.
As high as practical; about half a wavelength at the apex is ideal, and even a fifth of a wavelength works. Keep the leg ends at least head height off the ground.
Keep the included angle between the two legs at 90 degrees or wider. Narrower angles lower the feed impedance and efficiency.
Yes, a 1:1 current balun at the feedpoint. The sloping legs pull the impedance close to 50 ohms, so no impedance transformer is needed.