๐ต Beat Frequency Calculator
The difference between the two frequencies is the beat frequency.
Enter the frequencies of two tones to calculate the frequency of the "beats" produced by their difference. When two tones with slightly different frequencies sound together, the volume periodically swells and fades โ a phenomenon called beating. It's a handy way to gauge how close an instrument is to a reference pitch.
How to use
- Enter the frequency of the first tone (Hz).
- Enter the frequency of the second tone (Hz).
- The beat frequency is calculated automatically.
FAQ
What is a beat frequency?
When two tones with slightly different frequencies sound together, the volume rises and falls at a rate equal to the difference between their frequencies. Physically, it results from the superposition of two sine waves.
What's the formula?
The beat frequency equals the absolute difference between the two frequencies: |f1 - f2|.
How is this useful for tuning instruments?
Play a reference tone alongside your instrument's tone at the same time โ the slower the beating, the closer the two frequencies are. When the beating disappears entirely, the frequencies match and the instrument is in tune.