Every sound is a vibration. Frequency is how many times per second it vibrates, measured in hertz (Hz). Low frequencies sound deep; high frequencies sound bright and sharp.
The ranges you hear every day
| Range | Frequency | What you hear |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass | 20 to 60 Hz | Rumble you feel more than hear |
| Bass | 60 to 250 Hz | Kick drum, bass guitar, warmth |
| Low mids | 250 to 500 Hz | Body of voices and instruments |
| Mids | 500 Hz to 2 kHz | Most of the voice and melody |
| Upper mids | 2 to 4 kHz | Clarity and presence of speech |
| Treble | 4 to 20 kHz | Cymbals, air, sparkle |
Try each one with our Tone Generator. Start at a low volume.
What can humans hear?
Young people hear roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The top end drops with age. Check yours with the Hearing Age Test or the full Frequency Range Test.
What can speakers play?
| Device | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Phone speaker | About 200 Hz to 16 kHz |
| Laptop speaker | About 100 Hz to 18 kHz |
| Good headphones | About 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Subwoofer | About 20 Hz to 120 Hz |
That is why phones sound thin: they simply cannot play deep bass. Find your speaker’s lowest note with the Bass Test.
Why 165 Hz is used to eject water
A low tone moves the speaker cone far and slowly enough to push water out of the grille, while staying within what small phone speakers can play. Read more about the 165 Hz water eject sound.
Frequency vs loudness
Frequency is pitch. Loudness is measured in decibels (dB). A quiet bass note and a loud bass note have the same frequency. Measure loudness with the Sound Meter.
Common questions
Is a higher frequency louder?
No. Pitch and loudness are separate, although our ears are most sensitive between 2 and 5 kHz.
What frequency is middle C?
About 262 Hz. The A above it, used for tuning, is 440 Hz.
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