Packet Retransmission Expectation Calculator
How many transmissions are expected if each independent attempt has the same loss probability?
Method, formula and assumptions
Geometric expectation per successful packet = 1 / success probability. Multiply required successes by that expectation; subtract successes for expected additional transmissions.
Input definitions and supported units
- Successful payload packets required: Whole-number count, from 0 to 1000000000; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.
- Independent loss probability (%): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0 to 99; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.
- Bytes per transmitted packet: Whole-number count, from 1 to 1000000; must be positive.
Worked example with answer
100,000 successful packets at 2% independent loss require an expected 102,040.8163 transmissions, including 2,040.8163 additional ones. At 1,500 bytes each this is 0.1531 GB and a 1.0204x multiplier.
How to use the results
Fractional transmissions are expectations across repeated experiments, not a literal packet count for one run. Zero loss gives a multiplier of one.
Results retain full precision internally and display up to four decimal places. Very small nonzero results use scientific notation rather than appearing as zero. Check the labels before comparing values across units.
Limitations and references
Losses are not always independent. This excludes acknowledgment loss, congestion backoff, retry caps, packet reordering and protocol headers.
The method is a self-contained arithmetic, geometric or explicitly stated mathematical model. There are no imported tariffs, empirical presets or equipment specifications; measured values and allowances must come from your own process.
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Creator & reviewers
Creator persona
- Riley ChenTime planning & productivity
Reviewer personas
- Casey RowanUnits, conversions & measurement
- Devon ShawFormula & assumptions review