Semitone Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select the first note (the lower note).
2. Select the second note (the higher note).
3. The calculator displays the number of semitones between the notes.
4. Use this to understand pitch distance, calculate intervals, or learn music theory.

Semitone Calculation

Semitones are counted on the chromatic scale:

Example: C to E is 4 semitones. C to G is 7 semitones. E to G is 3 semitones.

Full Description

A semitone (also called a half step) is the smallest interval in Western music, equal to one step on the chromatic scale. Understanding semitones is fundamental to music theory, as they are the building blocks of all intervals, scales, and chords. On a piano, a semitone is the distance between any two adjacent keys, whether that\'s a white key to a black key, or between E-F and B-C which have no black keys between them.

There are 12 semitones in an octave, which is why the chromatic scale has 12 notes before repeating. In equal temperament tuning (the standard for modern Western music), each semitone multiplies or divides the frequency by the 12th root of 2 (approximately 1.05946). This creates equal spacing between all semitones, making all keys sound the same (just at different pitches).

This calculator helps you count semitones between any two notes. Select the notes, and it shows the number of semitones. Use it to understand pitch distance, calculate intervals, learn music theory, or understand how notes relate to each other. Semitones are the foundation of all musical intervals and harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions