Frequency Wavelength Calculator: Hz to Meters Converter
Convert frequency (Hz) to wavelength (λ) instantly. Calculate wave speed, period, and length for sound waves, radio waves, and light.
Frequency and Wavelength are inversely related: as frequency goes up (higher pitch), wavelength goes down (shorter distance). Use this calculator to solve for any variable in the wave equation.
Frequency ↔ Wavelength Calculator
Convert between frequency, wavelength, and period
The Wave Equation
The fundamental relationship between frequency ($f$), wavelength ($\lambda$), and wave speed ($v$) is:
$$ v = f \times \lambda $$
We can rearrange this to solve for any variable:
- Wavelength ($\lambda$): $\lambda = v / f$
- Frequency ($f$): $f = v / \lambda$
- Speed ($v$): $v = f \times \lambda$
Speed of Sound vs. Light
The medium determines the speed ($v$).
- Sound in Air (20°C): ~343 meters/second
- Sound in Water: ~1,480 meters/second
- Light / Radio (Vacuum): ~299,792,458 meters/second ($c$)
Real-World Wavelength Examples
Sound Waves (at 20°C)
| Frequency | Wavelength ($\lambda$) | Note Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Hz | 17.15 meters | Lowest hearing limit |
| 60 Hz | 5.72 meters | Mains hum (US) |
| 100 Hz | 3.43 meters | Punchy bass |
| 440 Hz | 78 centimeters | Tuning Standard A4 |
| 1000 Hz | 34.3 centimeters | Test Tone (1 kHz) |
| 10 kHz | 3.4 centimeters | High Treble |
| 20 kHz | 1.7 centimeters | Highest hearing limit |
Electromagnetic Waves (Radio/Light)
| Type | Frequency | Wavelength |
|---|---|---|
| FM Radio | 100 MHz | ~3 meters |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz | ~12.5 centimeters |
| 5G (mmWave) | 28 GHz | ~10 millimeters |
| Red Light | 430 THz | ~700 nanometers |
| Blue Light | 640 THz | ~470 nanometers |
Why Does Wavelength Matter?
1. Acoustic Treatment
To stop a sound wave, you generally need an absorber that is at least 1/4 the thickness of the wavelength.
- Treble (10 kHz): 3.4 cm wavelength $\rightarrow$ Thin foam works.
- Bass (60 Hz): 5.7 meter wavelength $\rightarrow$ Requires massive "bass traps" or membrane absorbers. Thin foam does nothing.
2. Antenna Size
Antennas are tuned to the wavelength they receive. A "quarter-wave" whip antenna for FM radio (3m wavelength) needs to be about 75cm long. This is why cell phone antennas are tiny (high frequency = tiny wavelength) while AM radio towers are huge.
3. Diffraction (Bending)
Waves can bend around obstacles smaller than their wavelength.
- Bass (Long $\lambda$): Wraps around corners and passes through walls. You can hear the neighbor's bass but not their lyrics.
- Treble (Short $\lambda$): Blocked by walls and even furniture. It travels in "line of sight."
FAQ
Does temperature affect wavelength?
Yes, for sound! As air gets hotter, sound travels faster.
- At 0°C, sound speed is 331 m/s.
- At 20°C, sound speed is 343 m/s.
- At 30°C, sound speed is 349 m/s. Since $\lambda = v/f$, a hotter day results in a slightly longer wavelength for the same pitch. This is why wind instruments go sharp as they warm up.
What is "Period"?
Period ($T$) is the time it takes for one complete cycle to pass. It is the inverse of frequency.
- $T = 1 / f$
- 1000 Hz: Period is 1 millisecond.
- 20 Hz: Period is 50 milliseconds.
Related Tools:
- Frequency Chart - Visual spectrum guide
- Hz to Note - Musical pitch converter
- Piano Frequencies - 88-key reference