Audible sound spans wavelengths from about 17 m (20 Hz) to 1.7 cm (20 kHz) in air. Wavelength explains why bass passes through walls, why subwoofers can be placed anywhere and how big a room must be for low notes to develop.
How to use the Sound Wavelength Calculator
- Medium
- Custom speed of sound
- Frequency f
- Every result field is editable: type into Wavelength λ and Frequency f plus every other field update to match.
Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.
How it works
Choose the medium and enter the frequency, or type a wavelength into the result to find the frequency.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Medium | Choose one: Air at 0 °C, Air at 20 °C, Air at 40 °C, Helium at 20 °C … |
| Custom speed of sound | Units: m/s, km/h, mph, ft/s, knots |
| Frequency f | Units: Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz, THz, rpm |
What each result means
- Wavelength λ = [v]÷[Frequency f]
- Period = 1÷[Frequency f]
Example values
How the main result changes when Frequency f changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Frequency f (Hz) | Wavelength λ (m) |
|---|---|
| 220 | 1.56 |
| 330 | 1.04 |
| 440 | 0.78 |
| 550 | 0.624 |
| 660 | 0.52 |
| 880 | 0.39 |
Formula
λ = v / f
Worked example
Inputs — Medium: Air at 20 °C; Frequency f: 440 Hz.
Results — Wavelength λ = 0.78 m; Period = 2.27273 ms.
Key terms
- Wavelength
- Distance between successive crests.
Frequently asked questions
What is the wavelength of middle A?
About 78 cm in air (440 Hz).
Why is sound longer in water?
Sound travels about 4.3× faster in water.
What is the range of audible wavelengths?
1.7 cm to 17 m in air.
Does wavelength change in a new medium?
Yes – the frequency stays the same but speed and wavelength change.