To obtain desired attenuation with high setting accuracy, without performing fine adjustment of a fixed attenuator with a manual operation and also to variably set the relation of attenuating quantity that corresponds to each state only by giving a specific state specifications bit input.

This variable attenuator A is provided with a variable attenuator body 1, which consists of plural fixed attenuators 2 as attenuation elements as if attenuation quantity were subject to step switching xdB each, a control signal input circuit (ROM circuit) 6 which is provided so as to generate a selection connection bit output to get attenuating quantity that is the closest to the desired attenuation quantity, which corresponds to state specification bit inputs S1 to S3 which are provided with the body 1 and a means 5 which selects and connects plural fixed attenuators 2 based on the selection connection bit output that is produced by the circuit 6.