Science
Sound intensity level
Convert an acoustic intensity and reference intensity into a decibel level.
Calculators / Science / Beat frequency
Beat frequency calculator
Find the beat rate produced by two nearby frequencies.
On this page
Beat frequency4Hz
Mean frequency442Hz
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Find the beat rate produced by two nearby frequencies.
Beat frequency = abs(a-b) Hz; Mean frequency = (a+b)/2 Hz
Worked example
First frequency (Hz): 440; Second frequency (Hz): 444.
Beat frequency: 4 Hz; Mean frequency: 442 Hz.
Assumptions and limits
For close coherent frequencies, beat rate is their absolute difference. A large difference may be heard as separate tones rather than distinct beats.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Find the beat rate produced by two nearby frequencies.
When this tool is useful
Beat frequency = abs(a-b) Hz; Mean frequency = (a+b)/2 Hz
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| First frequency (Hz) | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Second frequency (Hz) | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
What assumptions does this calculation use?
For close coherent frequencies, beat rate is their absolute difference. A large difference may be heard as separate tones rather than distinct beats.
How is the result calculated?
Beat frequency = abs(a-b) Hz; Mean frequency = (a+b)/2 Hz