Tone Generator — Online Audio Frequency Generator
Generate audio tones from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Use the slider or type a custom frequency. Download as WAV file. See also our Frequency Calculator, Wavelength Calculator, and Speed of Sound Calculator.
Audio Visualization
Quick Select — Musical Notes:
Common Test Frequencies:
Related Tools:
How to Use the Tone Generator
Use the frequency slider to drag between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, OR type an exact custom frequency in the input box (supports decimals like 432.00 for alternative tuning) and press Set or Enter. Both options are always available — slider for quick exploration, custom input for precision. Select a waveform, adjust volume, and click Play to hear the tone. The visualization shows the waveform shape in real-time.
To download a tone, select duration (1-60 seconds), set your frequency and waveform, then click Download WAV. The file is generated instantly in your browser — no server needed. Downloaded WAV files are 16-bit 44.1 kHz mono with fade-in/fade-out to prevent clicks. Use them for tuning, testing, meditation, sound design, or hearing assessments.
The audio visualization displays the waveform shape. When stopped, it shows a mathematical preview (purple). When playing, it shows the live audio signal from the Web Audio API analyser (green). This helps you visually verify the correct waveform type and observe how different frequencies look as waves.
Waveform Types
Sine:
Purest tone, no harmonics. Tuning, hearing tests.
Square:
Odd harmonics (3rd, 5th, 7th). Buzzy, retro game sounds.
Sawtooth:
All harmonics. Bright, brass-like, rich synthesis.
Triangle:
Weak odd harmonics. Soft, mellow, flute-like.
Musical Notes Reference Table
| Note | Hz | Note | Hz | Note | Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3 | 130.81 | C4 | 261.63 | C5 | 523.25 |
| D3 | 146.83 | D4 | 293.66 | D5 | 587.33 |
| E3 | 164.81 | E4 | 329.63 | E5 | 659.25 |
| F3 | 174.61 | F4 | 349.23 | F5 | 698.46 |
| G3 | 196.00 | G4 | 392.00 | G5 | 783.99 |
| A3 | 220.00 | A4 | 440.00 | A5 | 880.00 |
| B3 | 246.94 | B4 | 493.88 | B5 | 987.77 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I type a custom Hz value?
Yes — use the "Custom Frequency" text input to type any exact value between 20 and 20,000 Hz (decimals supported, e.g. 432.00). Press Enter or click Set to apply. The slider and custom input both work simultaneously.
How do I download the tone?
Select duration (1s/3s/5s/10s/30s/60s), set frequency and waveform, then click "Download WAV." The file generates instantly in your browser — no upload needed. It's standard 16-bit 44.1 kHz WAV, compatible with all audio editors.
What is A440?
A440 (concert pitch) means A4 is tuned to exactly 440 Hz — the international tuning standard since 1955. Some prefer A432 Hz (warmer) or A443 Hz (some orchestras). Type your preferred reference in the custom input.
What does the visualization show?
When stopped: a mathematical preview of the waveform shape (purple). When playing: live real-time audio data from the Web Audio API analyser (green). The shape shows sine as smooth curves, square as flat tops, sawtooth as ramps, and triangle as peaks.
Is it safe at high frequencies?
Start at low volume. The ear is most sensitive at 2-5 kHz. Frequencies above 15 kHz may be inaudible to adults. Never use high volume for extended periods — it can cause hearing damage. Take breaks during prolonged use.
Can I use downloaded files professionally?
Yes. The WAV files are standard uncompressed PCM audio, compatible with Audacity, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton, and all DAWs. Suitable for calibration, sound design, meditation tracks, speaker testing, and scientific experiments.
What is the relationship between frequency and pitch?
Frequency (Hz) is the physical measurement of vibrations per second. Pitch is the human perception of frequency. They are closely related but not identical — our perception is logarithmic, meaning the jump from 100 to 200 Hz sounds like the same interval as 1000 to 2000 Hz (both are one octave). This is why musical notes use a 12-tone equal temperament where each semitone multiplies frequency by ¹²√2 ≈ 1.0595.
How do I create binaural beats with this generator?
Open this page in two browser tabs. Set one to a base frequency (e.g., 200 Hz) and the other slightly different (e.g., 210 Hz). Wear headphones with one tab in each ear. Your brain perceives a "beat" at the difference frequency (10 Hz in this example). Some research suggests this may influence brainwave states, though scientific evidence is mixed.
Sound Physics Formulas
Lower frequencies produce longer wavelengths. A bass note at 60 Hz has a wavelength of 5.7 meters — this is why bass waves can travel through walls. A 15,000 Hz tone has a wavelength of only 2.3 cm, which is easily blocked by obstacles.
Human Hearing Frequency Range
Healthy young adults can hear frequencies from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). Hearing sensitivity peaks between 2,000-5,000 Hz — the range of human speech consonants. As people age, the upper limit decreases: by age 40, most people cannot hear above 15,000 Hz; by age 60, the limit drops to about 12,000 Hz.
Use this tone generator to test your personal hearing range. Start at 10,000 Hz and increase gradually — the frequency at which you can no longer hear the tone is your current upper hearing limit.
Practical Uses of a Tone Generator
- Hearing tests: Test your frequency range, check for age-related hearing loss, screen for tinnitus frequencies.
- Instrument tuning: Generate reference pitches for guitar, piano, violin (A440 standard or alternative tunings like A432).
- Speaker/headphone testing: Verify frequency response across the full range, identify resonances or dead spots.
- Tinnitus masking: Generate tones near your tinnitus frequency for habituation therapy (consult audiologist).
- Sound engineering: Calibrate audio equipment, test room acoustics, identify resonant frequencies.
- Science education: Demonstrate wave properties, beat frequencies (play two tones close together), interference patterns.
- Meditation/focus: Use low-frequency tones (40 Hz gamma, 10 Hz alpha) for brainwave entrainment research.
- Pet deterrent: High-frequency tones (15,000-17,000 Hz) that dogs can hear but most adults cannot.