Note names, MIDI numbers and frequencies
The musical interval between two notes depends on the ratio of their frequencies. An octave is a ratio of 2:1 and, in equal temperament comprises 12 equal semitones, which therefore have a ratio of 21/12. By convention, A4 is set at 440 Hz. These data were used to calculate the table below, which gives the frequency of any standard keyboard note
or MIDI note number. To convert from any frequency to pitch
(i.e. to the nearest note and how far it is out of tune, go
to the frequency
to note converter.
This table is reproduced inverted below, i.e. with high pitch at the top.
To convert from any frequency to pitch
(i.e. to the nearest note and how far it is out of tune, go to the frequency
to note converter written by Andrew Botros.
In German speaking countries, H is used instead of B, and
B is used for Bb. (This allowed Bach to write his name in
the Art of Fugue.) Users of our flute
page should note that some flutists have their own naming
system, whereas our page uses standard names. The C that lies
between the bass and treble clefs is C4 in standard notation.
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