Convert any note’s frequency between A4 tuning standards, like the modern standard of 440Hz and the alternate 432Hz reference some musicians prefer.
“A4” refers to the frequency assigned to the A note above middle C, the reference point every other note is tuned relative to. Most modern instruments and tuners use 440Hz, but some musicians and ensembles tune to 432Hz or other reference points instead.
A4 Reference Converter
Note (e.g. A4, C4, E5):
Source A4 Standard (Hz):
Target A4 Standard (Hz):
Frequency at Source Standard: —
Frequency at Target Standard: —
Difference: —
Why Tuning Standards Differ
440Hz became the widely adopted international standard for A4 in the 20th century, and it’s what most tuners, pianos, and orchestras use today. Some musicians tune to 432Hz instead, citing historical tuning practices or a preference for how it sounds, though this remains a minority practice. Recording with or matching a track tuned to a different standard requires knowing the exact frequency shift involved.
How to Use This Calculator
- Note: enter the note and octave you want the frequency for, like A4 or E5.
- Source A4 Standard: the tuning reference the note is currently based on (440 by default).
- Target A4 Standard: the tuning reference you want to convert to (432 by default).
- Click Convert to see both frequencies and the difference in cents.
Example: A4 at the 440Hz standard is 440.00Hz; the same note at the 432Hz standard is 432.00Hz, a difference of about 31.77 cents.
Did You Know?
- Before 440Hz was standardized, orchestral tuning pitches varied widely across Europe, sometimes differing by a full semitone or more between cities and eras.
- A cent is 1/100th of a semitone, the standard unit musicians use to describe very small pitch differences that are too subtle to call a full note.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the shift in cents change depending on the note?
No, shifting the A4 reference moves every note by the same number of cents, since it’s a uniform change to the whole tuning system, not just one note.
Can I use this for any note format?
Enter a letter (A through G), an optional sharp (#), and an octave number, such as C4 or F#3.