Low complex algorithms for estimating a delay spread or a RMS delay spread of a multipath channel using channel estimates are disclosed, leading to low overall power consumption. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a delay spread or a RMS delay spread of the multipath channel is determined based on a metric calculated as a function of channel estimates. In another embodiment, an average signal to noise ratio is taken into consideration in addition to the metric to estimate the delay spread or the RMS delay spread. In a further embodiment, the delay spread or the RMS delay spread of the multipath channel is estimated based on an average signal to noise ratio and on a metric being a function of the slope between subcarrier channel estimates. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for estimating a delay spread or a RMS delay spread of the multipath channel.