Sound Wavelength Calculator
Calculate sound wavelength from frequency
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Frequency
Input the frequency (f) of the sound wave in Hz. For example, A4 note is 440 Hz.
Enter Speed of Sound
Input the speed of sound (c) in m/s. Default is 343 m/s for air at 20°C. Adjust for different temperatures or media.
Calculate
Click calculate to get the wavelength: λ = c / f.
Formula
λ = c / f
where λ = wavelength (m), c = speed of sound (m/s), f = frequency (Hz)
Example:
For a 440 Hz tone in air at 20°C (c = 343 m/s):
λ = 343 / 440 = 0.779 m (77.9 cm)
This is the wavelength of the A4 musical note in air.
Relationship: Higher frequency = shorter wavelength. Lower frequency = longer wavelength. Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional when speed is constant.
About Sound Wavelength Calculator
The Sound Wavelength Calculator determines the wavelength of a sound wave from its frequency and the speed of sound in the medium. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave and is fundamental to understanding sound propagation, interference, and resonance.
When to Use This Calculator
- Acoustics: Calculate wavelengths for room design and resonance
- Music: Understand wavelength relationships in musical instruments
- Physics Education: Learn about wave properties and relationships
- Audio Engineering: Design speaker systems and acoustic treatments
- Architectural Design: Consider wavelength in room acoustics
- Science Projects: Calculate wavelengths for experiments
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Quick Calculations: Get wavelength instantly
- ✅ Accurate Results: Uses standard wave formula
- ✅ Flexible Input: Works with different frequencies and media
- ✅ Educational: Learn about wave properties
- ✅ Free Tool: No registration required
Understanding Wavelength
Wavelength is the distance a wave travels in one complete cycle. For sound waves, it determines how the wave interacts with objects and boundaries, affecting phenomena like diffraction, interference, and resonance.
- Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency
- Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths
- Lower frequencies have longer wavelengths
- Wavelength affects how sound bends around obstacles (diffraction)
- Room dimensions relative to wavelength affect resonance
Common Sound Wavelengths (in Air at 20°C)
- 20 Hz (lowest audible): ~17.2 m
- 100 Hz: ~3.4 m
- 440 Hz (A4): ~0.78 m
- 1000 Hz: ~0.34 m
- 20,000 Hz (highest audible): ~0.017 m (1.7 cm)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wavelength?
Wavelength (λ) is the distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, such as two crests or two troughs. For sound waves, it's calculated as λ = c / f, where c is speed of sound and f is frequency.
How does frequency affect wavelength?
Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional when speed is constant. Doubling the frequency halves the wavelength. For example, 880 Hz has half the wavelength of 440 Hz.
Does wavelength change in different media?
Yes, wavelength changes when sound travels through different media because speed of sound changes. For the same frequency, sound has a longer wavelength in water than in air because sound travels faster in water.
Why is wavelength important in acoustics?
Wavelength determines how sound interacts with objects. Sounds with wavelengths much larger than objects pass around them (diffraction). Room dimensions relative to wavelength affect resonance and standing waves.
How do I convert wavelength to other units?
Wavelength in meters can be converted: 1 m = 100 cm = 1000 mm. For very small wavelengths, centimeters or millimeters are more convenient. For very large wavelengths (low frequencies), meters are appropriate.