Frequency & Wavelength Converter
Convert between Hz, MHz, GHz, wavelength in meters, and other electromagnetic spectrum units
All Converters
About Frequency & Wavelength
What is Frequency?
Frequency is a fundamental property of waves that measures how many complete wave cycles occur per unit of time. In the context of electromagnetic waves, frequency determines the energy and characteristics of the radiation. The SI unit for frequency is the Hertz (Hz), defined as one cycle per second.
Mathematically, frequency (f) is calculated as: f = 1/T, where T is the period of the wave (time for one complete cycle). Higher frequencies correspond to shorter periods and greater energy per photon.
What is Wavelength?
Wavelength is the spatial period of a wave—the distance over which the wave's shape repeats. It is measured as the distance between consecutive corresponding points of the same phase, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough. The SI unit for wavelength is the meter (m).
Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency, meaning shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies and vice versa. This relationship is fundamental to understanding the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Fundamental Wave Equation
Wave Equation: c = f × λ
Where:
- • c = speed of light in vacuum (299,792,458 m/s)
- • f = frequency in Hertz (Hz)
- • λ = wavelength in meters (m)
This equation shows that frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases proportionally, and vice versa. The speed of light is constant in vacuum, making this relationship essential for all electromagnetic calculations.
Common Frequency and Wavelength Units
| Unit | Symbol | Conversion Factor | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Hz | 1 Hz | 1 cycle/second |
| Kilohertz | kHz | 1,000 Hz | AM radio frequencies |
| Megahertz | MHz | 1,000,000 Hz | FM radio, WiFi |
| Gigahertz | GHz | 1,000,000,000 Hz | 5G networks, radar |
| Terahertz | THz | 1,000,000,000,000 Hz | Infrared radiation |
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
| Region | Frequency Range | Wavelength Range | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio Waves | 3 kHz - 300 GHz | 100 km - 1 mm | Broadcasting, communications |
| Microwaves | 300 MHz - 300 GHz | 1 m - 1 mm | Cooking, radar, satellite |
| Infrared | 300 GHz - 400 THz | 1 mm - 750 nm | Thermal imaging, remote controls |
| Visible Light | 400-800 THz | 750-380 nm | Vision, photography, displays |
| Ultraviolet | 800 THz - 30 PHz | 380-10 nm | Sterilization, tanning |
| X-rays | 30 PHz - 30 EHz | 10 nm - 10 pm | Medical imaging, security |
Frequently Asked Questions About Frequency Wavelength Conversion
Related Frequency & Wavelength Resources
Length Converter
Convert between different length units including meters, centimeters, and nanometers
Speed Converter
Convert speed units including meters per second and speed of light
Energy Converter
Convert energy units including electron volts and joules
Power Converter
Convert power units including watts and milliwatts
Area Converter
Convert area units including square meters and square nanometers
Volume Converter
Convert volume units including cubic meters and cubic centimeters