Reference pitch, cents, and tuning math

Why a reference pitch has to stay explicit

"In tune" only means something relative to a stated reference: A4 at 440 Hz is a convention, not a law, and the same frequency can be a different number of cents away from a note depending on what reference pitch you declare. The Reference Pitch and Cents calculator anchors this category, keeping that reference explicit and editable rather than silently assuming 440 Hz is the only correct answer.

Tools in this category

• Reference Pitch and Cents

  Convert between note and frequency, and calculate cents deviation from a reference.

• Temperament Comparator

  Compare an interval size across 12-TET and a documented just-intonation ratio.

• Fret Position Calculator

  Calculate equal-tempered fret distances from the nut and bridge.

• Beat Frequency Calculator

  Calculate the acoustic beat rate between two pure frequencies.

• Pitch Bend Calculator

  Convert a cent offset to a normalized MIDI pitch-bend position.

• Just Intonation Ratio Explorer

  Calculate and hear a selected simple-ratio interval relative to a fundamental.

• String Tension Calculator

  Estimate string tension from scale length, frequency, and unit weight.

• String Gauge Change Comparator

  Compare estimated tension for two unit weights at the same length and pitch.

• Guitar Tuning Explorer

  Inspect open-string pitches, intervals, and range for declared tunings.

• Capo Fretboard Mapper

  Map open and fretted sounding pitches after a selected capo position.

• Harmonic Series Explorer

  Inspect and hear integer multiples above a selected fundamental.

• Instrument Range Explorer

  Compare documented written and sounding pitch ranges for an instrument profile.

• Intonation Drift Tracker

  Display a local, user-controlled series of cent deviations over time.