More Frequency Conversions
Convert between frequency units: hertz, kilohertz, megahertz, gigahertz, and more. Free online frequency converter for radio, audio, electronics, and telecommunications applications.
Choose two units to convert:
Popular %name% Conversions
About Frequency
Frequency conversion is fundamental in electronics, telecommunications, audio engineering, and physics. Frequency measures how often a repeating event occurs per unit of time, typically expressed in hertz (Hz), which represents one cycle per second.
The hertz (Hz) is the SI unit of frequency, named after German physicist Heinrich Hertz. Common multiples include kilohertz (kHz, 1,000 Hz), megahertz (MHz, 1,000,000 Hz), and gigahertz (GHz, 1,000,000,000 Hz). These units are essential for describing radio frequencies, processor speeds, and audio tones.
In audio applications, the human hearing range spans approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Musical notes correspond to specific frequencies: middle A on a piano is 440 Hz, and concert A is standardized to this frequency worldwide. Radio frequencies range from 3 kHz (very low frequency) to 300 GHz (extremely high frequency).
In computing, processor clock speeds are measured in gigahertz, with modern CPUs operating at 2 to 6 GHz. Understanding frequency conversion helps in selecting electronic components, designing circuits, tuning musical instruments, and configuring wireless communication systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Hz to kHz?
To convert hertz to kilohertz, divide by 1,000. For example, 5,000 Hz equals 5 kHz. To convert kHz to Hz, multiply by 1,000. The same pattern applies for larger units: MHz equals Hz divided by 1,000,000, GHz equals Hz divided by 1,000,000,000.
What frequency range can humans hear?
Humans can typically hear sounds between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), though this range decreases with age. Bass sounds are below 250 Hz, midrange is 250 to 4,000 Hz, and treble extends to 20,000 Hz. Frequencies above human hearing are called ultrasound.
What is the difference between Hz and MHz?
One megahertz (MHz) equals one million hertz (1,000,000 Hz). MHz is commonly used for radio frequencies, older processor speeds, and some wireless communication bands. For example, FM radio broadcasts between 88 and 108 MHz.
Why is Wi-Fi measured in GHz?
Wi-Fi operates at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (and 6 GHz for Wi-Fi 6E). These frequencies are in the microwave range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Higher frequencies allow more data bandwidth but have shorter range and weaker wall penetration than lower frequencies.