๐ต Interval Calculator
Perfect 5th
Choose two notes (name and octave) to calculate the musical interval between them (perfect unison, major 3rd, perfect 5th, and so on) and the number of semitones. Handy for reading music and learning music theory.
How to use
- Choose the name and octave of the first note.
- Choose the name and octave of the second note.
- The interval and number of semitones between them are calculated automatically.
How the calculation works
Choose two notes by name and octave to see the name of the interval between them and the number of semitones. The interval follows from the number of semitones. 0: unison 1: minor 2nd 2: major 2nd 3: minor 3rd 4: major 3rd 5: perfect 4th 6: tritone (augmented 4th / diminished 5th) 7: perfect 5th 8: minor 6th 9: major 6th 10: minor 7th 11: major 7th 12: octave Intervals wider than 12 semitones (compound intervals) are shown as the interval within an octave plus a number of octaves. The order of the two notes does not matter.
Worked example
C4 and G4 โ 7 semitones = perfect 5th C4 and E4 โ 4 semitones = major 3rd (a bright sound) A4 and C5 โ 3 semitones = minor 3rd (a darker sound) C4 and C5 โ 12 semitones = octave C4 and E5 โ 16 semitones = major 3rd + 1 octave (a major 10th)
Things to be aware of
- This tool names intervals by semitone count. In written music, the same number of semitones can have a different name depending on spelling: 3 semitones can also be an augmented 2nd.
- The difference between major and minor 3rds is at the heart of the difference between major and minor keys.
- Perfect 4ths, perfect 5ths and octaves blend smoothly and form the basis of chords and power chords.
FAQ
How are intervals larger than an octave (compound intervals) shown?
If the semitone count exceeds 12, the basic interval name is shown along with an extra "+N octaves" note indicating how many full octaves apart the notes are.
What is the "tritone"?
An interval of 6 semitones, also called an augmented 4th or diminished 5th โ known for its unstable, tense sound.
Does it matter which note I pick first?
No. This tool calculates based on the absolute difference in semitones between the two notes, so the result is the same regardless of which one you select first.