Frequency Converter
Convert between hertz, kilohertz, megahertz and gigahertz, and see the matching period and free-space wavelength. Useful for radio, audio and electronics work.
Frequency is a period in disguise, so the Time Converter is a useful companion, as is Data Storage for sample-rate maths.
How to use the Frequency Converter
- 1 Enter the frequency you want to convert.
- 2 Choose the source unit — hertz, kilohertz, megahertz or gigahertz.
- 3 Read the equivalent in the other units, along with the corresponding wavelength.
- 4 Swap to convert from a wavelength back to a frequency.
How It Works
Each unit is a power-of-ten multiple of the hertz. The calculator additionally derives the wave period (1 / frequency) and, at the speed of light in vacuum, the wavelength of the corresponding electromagnetic wave.
- Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz and THz
- Period in seconds and milliseconds
- Wavelength in metres and centimetres
- Full conversion table
- Adjustable precision
Frequently asked questions
What does one hertz mean?
One cycle per second. It is a rate, not a quantity, which is why frequencies are written kHz, MHz and GHz rather than with prefixes on a base unit of cycles. It is named after Heinrich Hertz, who demonstrated radio waves.
How do I work out the wavelength of a frequency?
Divide the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s) by the frequency in hertz. So 100 MHz gives about 3 metres. The relationship is inverse: doubling the frequency halves the wavelength, which is why higher bands need shorter antennas.
Why does mains frequency differ between countries?
Because electrification happened independently. Europe, most of Asia and much of Africa standardised on 50 Hz; North America and parts of South America on 60 Hz. The split matters for clock motors and older equipment, and it is why some appliances are not portable.
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