String Vibration Frequency Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What raises the pitch of a vibrating string?

Higher tension and a shorter vibrating length both raise the fundamental frequency, while a heavier string per unit length lowers it.

How much does tension change the pitch?

Frequency rises with the square root of tension, so quadrupling the tension doubles the frequency, raising the pitch by one octave.

Provided by AllCalculators.io
Free online calculators for everyday. No registration required.

Estimates for informational purposes only.

Important Disclaimer: Estimates for informational purposes only.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.

JavaScript is required to use the interactive calculator above. The questions and answers below remain readable without JavaScript.

How This Calculator Works

A vibrating string sounds a fundamental pitch set by three things: its length, the tension pulling it taut, and how heavy the string is per unit length. The frequency rises with tension and falls with length and mass. This calculator uses the standard wave equation for a string fixed at both ends, dividing the wave speed by twice the length to get the lowest natural frequency.

What Changes The Pitch

Higher tension and a shorter vibrating length both raise the pitch, which is why tightening a tuning peg sharpens a note and pressing a fret raises it. A heavier string of the same length and tension sounds lower, which is why the thick strings on a guitar produce the bass notes while the thin strings sing higher.

Tips

Shortening the string raises the pitch by the same ratio.

Quadrupling the tension doubles the frequency.

Heavier strings sound lower at the same tension and length.

String Vibration Frequency Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Music Calculators