Music Interval Calculator

The Music Interval Calculator allows users to select a root note, interval type, and direction, then calculates the resulting note, the number of semitones between notes, and the frequency ratio.

Use Our Music Interval Calculator

How to Use the Music Interval Calculator

This guide will walk you through the steps to use the Music Interval Calculator, a tool designed to calculate musical intervals and provide related information such as the resulting note, the number of semitones between notes, and the frequency ratio.

Step 1: Select the Root Note

  • Begin by selecting the Root Note from the available options. The calculator includes all twelve chromatic notes, each represented by its respective name and number value:
    • C (value: 0)
    • C#/Db (value: 1)
    • D (value: 2)
    • D#/Eb (value: 3)
    • E (value: 4)
    • F (value: 5)
    • F#/Gb (value: 6)
    • G (value: 7)
    • G#/Ab (value: 8)
    • A (value: 9)
    • A#/Bb (value: 10)
    • B (value: 11)

Step 2: Choose the Interval

  • Next, choose the Interval type you wish to explore. Options include the various intervals with their corresponding semitone values:
    • Perfect Unison (value: 0)
    • Minor Second (value: 1)
    • Major Second (value: 2)
    • Minor Third (value: 3)
    • Major Third (value: 4)
    • Perfect Fourth (value: 5)
    • Tritone (value: 6)
    • Perfect Fifth (value: 7)
    • Minor Sixth (value: 8)
    • Major Sixth (value: 9)
    • Minor Seventh (value: 10)
    • Major Seventh (value: 11)
    • Perfect Octave (value: 12)

Step 3: Select the Direction

  • Decide on the Direction of the interval. You have the choice of either:
    • Ascending (value: 1) – moving up in pitch.
    • Descending (value: -1) – moving down in pitch.

Step 4: Review the Results

Once you have selected your Root Note, Interval Type, and Direction, the Music Interval Calculator will provide you with several important results:

  • Resulting Note: Using the formula (rootNote + (intervalType * direction) + 12) % 12, the calculator will determine the note you reach, ensuring it is within the 12-note chromatic scale.
  • Semitones Between Notes: The absolute number of semitones between the starting and resulting notes will be displayed, calculated as abs(intervalType) semitones.
  • Frequency Ratio: The frequency ratio between the notes will be displayed, derived using the formula pow(2, intervalType/12), formatted to three decimal places.

By following these steps, you’ll efficiently utilize the Music Interval Calculator to explore the relationships between musical intervals.