Frequency Converter
Convert between hertz, kilohertz, megahertz, gigahertz and RPM.
What the Frequency Converter does
Frequency counts cycles per second. One hertz is one cycle per second, so RPM and BPM convert by dividing by 60. Processor clock speeds, radio bands and audio pitches all use the same scale.
Formula
Convert to hertz, then divide by the target unit's factorResult = Value × (from factor ÷ to factor)
Inputs explained
| Input | Unit | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | number | Yes | — |
| From | one of 7 options | Yes | — |
| To | one of 7 options | Yes | — |
How to use it
- Choose From and To.
- Enter Value.
- Select Calculate.
Worked example
Convert a 3,600 MHz processor clock to GHz.
- Value
- 3600
- From
- Megahertz
- To
- Gigahertz
3,600 ÷ 1,000 = 3.6 GHz.
Reading the result
- Hertz, RPM and BPM all count events per unit time and differ only in the interval used. 1 Hz, 60 RPM and 60 BPM are the same rate.
- Each metric prefix is another factor of a thousand, so a 2.4 GHz signal oscillates 2.4 billion times a second.
Common mistakes
- Confusing frequency with angular frequency. Angular frequency is measured in radians per second and is 2π times the value in hertz, so a 50 Hz mains supply is about 314 rad/s.
- Reading a rotational speed in RPM as though it were hertz, which is out by a factor of 60.
Frequently asked questions
How do RPM and Hz relate?
Divide RPM by 60. An engine at 3,000 RPM is turning at 50 Hz.