Note Frequency Formula:
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The music note frequency formula calculates the frequency of a musical note based on its distance in semitones from the reference note A4 (440 Hz). This formula is fundamental in music theory and audio engineering for determining precise note frequencies.
The calculator uses the frequency formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula uses exponential calculation where each semitone represents an equal temperament ratio of the 12th root of 2.
Details: Accurate frequency calculation is essential for musical instrument tuning, audio production, sound engineering, and understanding the mathematical relationships between musical notes in the equal temperament system.
Tips: Enter the number of semitones from A4 (positive values for notes above A4, negative values for notes below A4). The calculator will compute the corresponding frequency in Hertz.
Q1: What is the reference note for this calculation?
A: The calculation uses A4 (440 Hz) as the reference note, which is the standard tuning reference in most Western music.
Q2: How do I calculate frequencies for specific notes?
A: Use the semitone distances: C4 = -9, D4 = -7, E4 = -5, F4 = -4, G4 = -2, A4 = 0, B4 = +2, C5 = +3, etc.
Q3: Can I calculate frequencies for microtonal intervals?
A: Yes, you can enter fractional semitone values (e.g., 0.5 for quarter tones) to calculate microtonal frequencies.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise for equal temperament tuning, which is the standard tuning system for most modern Western music.
Q5: What about other tuning systems?
A: This calculator specifically uses the equal temperament formula. Other tuning systems (just intonation, Pythagorean, etc.) require different mathematical approaches.