Frequency Converter

Convert between frequency units and calculate wavelength, period, and angular frequency.

Transform frequency values between different units (Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz, THz) and automatically calculate related physical quantities like wavelength and period.

Examples

Click on any example to load it into the calculator.

AM Radio Frequency

Radio

Typical AM radio broadcast frequency in the medium wave band.

Frequency: 1000 kHz

WiFi 2.4 GHz Band

WiFi

Common WiFi frequency in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.

Frequency: 2.4 GHz

Visible Light (Green)

Visible Light

Green light frequency in the visible spectrum.

Frequency: 550 THz

Audio Frequency (A4 Note)

Audio

Standard A4 musical note frequency.

Frequency: 440 Hz

Other Titles
Understanding Frequency Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide
Master the conversion between frequency units and understand the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and period. Essential knowledge for electronics, physics, telecommunications, and wave phenomena.

What is Frequency and Why Convert Between Units?

  • Definition of Frequency
  • Common Frequency Units
  • Real-World Applications
Frequency is a fundamental physical quantity that describes how often a periodic event occurs in a given time period. In the context of waves and oscillations, frequency measures the number of complete cycles that occur per second. The SI unit for frequency is the Hertz (Hz), named after the German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who was the first to conclusively prove the existence of electromagnetic waves.
The Spectrum of Frequency Units
Different applications use different frequency ranges, which is why we have multiple units. Audio frequencies are typically measured in Hz and kHz, radio frequencies in MHz and GHz, and light frequencies in THz. Converting between these units is essential for comparing signals, designing circuits, and understanding wave phenomena across different domains of physics and engineering.
Why Frequency Conversion Matters
Frequency conversion is crucial in many fields. Electronics engineers need to convert between units when designing circuits that operate at different frequencies. Physicists studying wave phenomena need to compare frequencies across the electromagnetic spectrum. Telecommunications professionals work with frequencies from audio to microwave ranges. This converter provides a quick, accurate way to translate between these different scales.
The Relationship Between Frequency and Wavelength
Frequency and wavelength are inversely related through the speed of light: λ = c/f, where λ is wavelength, c is the speed of light (approximately 3×10⁸ m/s), and f is frequency. This relationship is fundamental to understanding wave phenomena and is automatically calculated by this converter.

Common Frequency Ranges:

  • Audio Frequencies: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (human hearing range)
  • Radio Frequencies: 3 kHz - 300 GHz (communications)
  • Microwave: 300 MHz - 300 GHz (radar, WiFi)
  • Infrared: 300 GHz - 400 THz (heat, remote controls)
  • Visible Light: 400 THz - 800 THz (colors we see)
  • Ultraviolet: 800 THz - 30 PHz (sunlight, sterilization)

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Frequency Converter

  • Input Your Data
  • Understanding Results
  • Practical Applications
Using the frequency converter is straightforward, but understanding the results requires some knowledge of the relationships between different physical quantities. This guide will walk you through the process and help you interpret the results effectively.
1. Enter Your Frequency Value
Start by entering the frequency value you want to convert. This should be a positive number. The value represents the frequency in the unit you select. For example, if you enter '1000' and select 'kHz', you're converting 1000 kilohertz.
2. Select the Appropriate Unit
Choose the unit that matches your input frequency. The converter supports the most common frequency units: Hz (Hertz), kHz (kilohertz), MHz (megahertz), GHz (gigahertz), and THz (terahertz). Each unit represents a different scale of frequency measurement.
3. Interpret the Conversion Results
The converter provides results in all frequency units, making it easy to compare values across different scales. Additionally, it calculates related physical quantities: wavelength (the distance between wave peaks), period (the time for one complete cycle), and angular frequency (frequency in radians per second).
4. Apply the Results to Your Application
Use the converted values for your specific application. For example, if you're designing an antenna, the wavelength calculation is crucial. If you're working with oscillators, the period might be more relevant. Understanding these relationships helps in circuit design and wave analysis.

Unit Conversion Factors:

  • 1 kHz = 1,000 Hz
  • 1 MHz = 1,000 kHz = 1,000,000 Hz
  • 1 GHz = 1,000 MHz = 1,000,000,000 Hz
  • 1 THz = 1,000 GHz = 1,000,000,000,000 Hz

Real-World Applications of Frequency Conversion

  • Electronics and Communications
  • Physics Research
  • Audio and Music
Frequency conversion finds applications across numerous fields, from everyday electronics to cutting-edge research. Understanding how to convert between frequency units is essential for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Electronics and Circuit Design
Electronics engineers frequently work with frequencies ranging from audio (Hz-kHz) to radio frequencies (MHz-GHz). When designing filters, oscillators, or communication systems, engineers need to convert between units to compare specifications, calculate component values, and ensure compatibility between different parts of a system.
Telecommunications and Broadcasting
The telecommunications industry operates across a wide frequency spectrum. AM radio uses frequencies around 1 MHz, FM radio around 100 MHz, cellular phones use frequencies in the GHz range, and satellite communications can use frequencies up to 40 GHz. Converting between these units is essential for spectrum planning and equipment design.
Physics and Wave Phenomena
Physicists study wave phenomena across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays. Converting between frequency units allows researchers to compare phenomena across different energy scales and understand the fundamental relationships between frequency, wavelength, and energy.
Audio Engineering and Music
Audio engineers work with frequencies in the Hz to kHz range. Understanding frequency conversion is crucial for designing audio equipment, analyzing musical instruments, and creating sound systems. The relationship between frequency and pitch is fundamental to music theory and audio technology.

Practical Examples:

  • Designing a low-pass filter: Convert cutoff frequency from kHz to Hz for component calculations
  • Antenna design: Convert operating frequency to wavelength to determine antenna length
  • Audio analysis: Convert musical note frequencies to compare different instruments
  • Spectrum analysis: Convert between units when analyzing signals across different frequency bands

Common Misconceptions and Important Concepts

  • Frequency vs. Pitch
  • Wavelength Relationships
  • Unit Confusion
Several misconceptions surround frequency and its units. Understanding these concepts correctly is essential for accurate calculations and proper application of frequency-related principles.
Misconception: Frequency and Pitch are the Same
While frequency and pitch are related, they are not identical. Frequency is a physical measurement (cycles per second), while pitch is a perceptual quality of sound. The relationship between frequency and pitch is logarithmic, not linear. This is why musical scales use equal temperament, where each octave doubles the frequency.
Misconception: Higher Frequency Always Means Shorter Wavelength
This is actually correct! The relationship λ = c/f shows that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency. However, this relationship only holds true when the wave speed (c) is constant. In different media, the speed of light can vary, affecting this relationship.
Confusion About Unit Scales
The exponential nature of frequency units can be confusing. Each step up (Hz → kHz → MHz → GHz → THz) represents a factor of 1000. This exponential scaling means that small changes in the higher units represent large changes in absolute frequency. Always double-check your unit conversions to avoid errors.
The Importance of Period and Angular Frequency
Period (T = 1/f) represents the time for one complete cycle and is particularly useful in timing applications and oscillator design. Angular frequency (ω = 2πf) is used in mathematical analysis of wave phenomena and is essential in fields like quantum mechanics and signal processing.

Key Relationships:

  • Period = 1/Frequency (T = 1/f)
  • Angular Frequency = 2π × Frequency (ω = 2πf)
  • Wavelength = Speed of Light / Frequency (λ = c/f)
  • Energy = Planck's Constant × Frequency (E = hf)

Mathematical Foundations and Formulas

  • Conversion Formulas
  • Wave Equations
  • Physical Constants
The frequency converter uses well-established physical relationships and mathematical formulas. Understanding these foundations helps verify calculations and provides insight into the underlying physics.
Unit Conversion Formulas
The converter uses simple multiplication factors for unit conversion:
- Hz to kHz: Divide by 1000
- kHz to MHz: Divide by 1000
- MHz to GHz: Divide by 1000
- GHz to THz: Divide by 1000
These conversions are exact and based on the metric system's decimal structure.
Wavelength Calculation
The wavelength is calculated using the fundamental relationship:
λ = c/f
where:
- λ (lambda) is the wavelength in meters
- c is the speed of light in vacuum (299,792,458 m/s)
- f is the frequency in Hz
This formula applies to electromagnetic waves in vacuum. In other media, the speed of light is reduced by the refractive index.
Period and Angular Frequency
The period (T) is the reciprocal of frequency:
T = 1/f
Angular frequency (ω) relates to regular frequency through:
ω = 2πf
Angular frequency is measured in radians per second and is commonly used in mathematical analysis of oscillatory systems.
Energy and Frequency Relationship
For electromagnetic waves, the energy of a photon is related to frequency by:
E = hf
where:
- E is the energy in joules
- h is Planck's constant (6.626×10⁻³⁴ J⋅s)
- f is the frequency in Hz
This relationship is fundamental to quantum mechanics and explains phenomena like the photoelectric effect.

Physical Constants Used:

  • Speed of Light (c): 299,792,458 m/s
  • Planck's Constant (h): 6.626×10⁻³⁴ J⋅s
  • Electron Charge (e): 1.602×10⁻¹⁹ C
  • Boltzmann Constant (k): 1.381×10⁻²³ J/K