A method begins by a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader transmitting a first and second radio frequency (RF) signal of a plurality of RF signals, which each include a unique carrier frequency and an instruction to an RFID tag to respond with a received power level indication. The method continues by the RFID reader receiving, in response to the first and second signals sent at a first and second carrier frequency, a first and second response from the RFID tag that includes a first and second received power level indication. The method continues by the RFID reader determining an estimated resonant frequency of the RFID tag based on the first and second received power level indications and the first and second carrier frequencies.