Unit Conversion

Convert numbers between two units quickly and precisely

Frequency

Unit Conversion

Convert frequency units: hertz, gigahertz, terahertz, and RPM

The frequency converter converts between hertz (Hz), kilohertz (kHz), megahertz (MHz), gigahertz (GHz), terahertz (THz), and revolutions per minute (rpm). It's used in electronics, radio technology, acoustics, and mechanical engineering.

Key conversion factors:

  • 1 kilohertz (kHz) = 1,000 hertz (Hz)
  • 1 megahertz (MHz) = 1,000,000 hertz – typical for memory clock rates and radio frequencies
  • 1 gigahertz (GHz) = 1,000,000,000 hertz – typical CPU clock rate
  • 1 terahertz (THz) = 1,000 gigahertz – order of magnitude of optical and infrared radiation
  • 1 revolution per minute (rpm) = 1/60 hertz – measure of rotational speed

Applications:

  • Electronics: CPU clock rates in gigahertz, memory clock rates in megahertz
  • Radio technology: carrier frequencies of radio waves and Wi-Fi bands
  • Acoustics: pitches and the human hearing range between 20 Hz and 20 kHz
  • Mechanical engineering: converting engine speeds (rpm) into hertz for technical calculations
  • Optics & physics: light frequencies in the terahertz range

The frequency converter helps compare technical specs, convert radio frequencies, and calculate engine speeds. Frequency is closely related to time – for pure time units, use the time converter.

Frequently asked questions about converting frequency

Since 1 hertz equals one revolution per second, you divide the rpm value by 60 to convert it to hertz: 1 rpm = 1/60 Hz. A motor running at 3,000 rpm therefore runs at 50 Hz.

1 terahertz (THz) equals 1,000 gigahertz (GHz). Gigahertz values are typical for CPU clock rates and microwaves, while terahertz frequencies fall in the range of infrared radiation and are used, for example, in materials research.

The human hearing range is roughly between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), and the upper limit usually decreases with age. Frequencies below this (infrasound) or above it (ultrasound) are inaudible to humans.