A user equipment (UE) may monitor a downlink frequency position to detect a synchronization block (SSB) from a cellular base station. When monitoring the downlink frequency position, the UE may be configured to use at least one step size in calculating a SSB frequency position. The UE may determine a subcarrier spacing (SCS) used by the cellular base station in response to monitoring the downlink frequency position, and the subcarrier spacing for one or more SSB transmissions may be determined at least in part based on the step size used in calculating the SSB frequency position. The UE may then utilize the determined subcarrier spacing of the one or more SSB transmissions in communicating with the cellular base station.