Frequency to MIDI Note
Find the nearest MIDI note and tuning cents for any frequency.
About Frequency to MIDI Note
Inverting the note-to-frequency formula gives a continuous note position, which rounds to the nearest MIDI number. Tuning instruments and identifying recorded pitches requires knowing both the closest note and how far off it is in cents.
Formula
Frequency to MIDI Note
MIDI = 69 + 12 x log2(freq / 440); cents = slight difference x 100
- cents
- Hundredths of a semitone away from the nearest note
Worked example
With the default values below, Frequency to MIDI Note returns Nearest MIDI Note of 69. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.
Inputs used
- Frequencyminimum 1 Hz
- 440 Hz
- A4 tuningaccepts 400–466 Hz
- 440 Hz
Results
- Nearest MIDI Note
- 69
- Tuning Offset
- 0.0 cents
- Closest Note Frequency
- 440.00 Hz
Step by step
- 1Values used
- 2Frequency to MIDI Note
- 3Nearest MIDI Note= 69
- 4Tuning Offset= 0.0 cents
- 5Closest Note Frequency= 440.00 Hz
Assumptions and limits
- The result is derived only from the 2 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
- In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or fees or charges into account.
- Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Frequency to MIDI Note calculated?
MIDI = 69 + 12 x log2(freq / 440); cents = slight difference x 100 Inverting the note-to-frequency formula gives a continuous note position, which rounds to the nearest MIDI number.
Why does Frequency to MIDI Note matter?
Tuning instruments and identifying recorded pitches requires knowing both the closest note and how far off it is in cents.
What values do I need to enter?
This calculator takes 2 inputs: Frequency, A4 tuning. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic starting point — replace them with figures from your own environment for a result you can act on.