Enter a frequency in Hz to find the nearest musical note and see exactly how many cents sharp or flat it is from that note.
Useful for tuning by ear against a frequency counter, checking a synth oscillator, or identifying a hum or drone by pitch.
Frequency to Note
Frequency (Hz):
Reference A4 (Hz):
Nearest Note: —
Offset: —
How This Identifier Works
Every musical note corresponds to a specific frequency once a reference pitch (usually A4 = 440 Hz) is set. This tool converts your entered frequency into semitones above or below that reference, rounds to the nearest note, and reports the remaining difference in cents (100 cents = 1 semitone).
How to Use This Calculator
- Frequency (Hz): the pitch you want to identify.
- Reference A4: the tuning standard to measure against; defaults to 440 Hz if left blank.
- Click Identify Note to see the nearest note and how far off it is in cents.
Example: 445 Hz against a 440 Hz reference identifies as A4, about +19.6 cents sharp.
Did You Know?
- Most listeners can detect a pitch difference of around 5 to 10 cents, so anything within a few cents of a note generally reads as “in tune.”
- Some orchestras tune to A4 = 442 Hz or higher for a brighter sound, which shifts every note’s exact frequency slightly compared to the 440 Hz standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cent in music tuning?
A cent is 1/100th of a semitone. It’s the standard unit for describing small tuning differences that are too fine to express as a note name alone.
Why would I change the reference A4?
If you’re working with an ensemble or recording tuned to a non-standard reference, like 442 Hz, entering that reference gives you an accurate note match for that specific tuning system.