A method for adjusting automatic gain control of a radio receiver begins by determining power level of a radio frequency (RF) signal received by the radio receiver to produce a determined power level. The method then continues by comparing the determined power level with a plurality of power thresholds to determine whether an automatic gain adjustment is needed. The method then continues, when the automatic gain adjustment is needed, by determining, from the comparing the determined power level with the plurality of power thresholds, a sign of the automatic gain adjustment. The method continues by determining, from the comparing the determined power level with the plurality of power thresholds, a magnitude of the automatic gain adjustment. The method continues by addressing a gain adjustment look up table for at least a portion of the radio receiver based on the magnitude to produce a gain setting. The method then continues by adjusting the automatic gain of the radio receiver based on the sign of the automatic gain adjustment and the gain setting.