Pitch rises logarithmically
Doubling a frequency raises it by one octave. The difference from 100 to 200 Hz is one octave, just like 5,000 to 10,000 Hz.
Learning Mission
Human Hearing Range Explorer
Explore frequency from deep bass to very high tones, see how pitch changes, and optionally record what your device lets you notice.
Listening safety: Begin with your device volume very low. Each tone lasts only 0.7 seconds and uses capped browser gain, but actual loudness depends on your device. Stop immediately if a sound feels uncomfortable. This is an educational activity, not a hearing test.
1,000 Hz
20 Hz100 Hz1 kHz10 kHz20 kHz
The logarithmic slider gives equal space to each multiplication of frequency.
A silent selection does not mean hearing loss. Speakers, headphones, browser settings, and background noise can all hide a tone.
Mid frequency
20 Hz100 Hz1 kHz10 kHz20 kHz
Frequency1,000 Hz
Period1.00 ms
Reference bandMid frequency
Sound stateSound off
Mid-frequency toneThis region overlaps much of the information used for speech and many musical sounds.
Guided tone tour
Explore nine frequencies. Play each tone deliberately, then record only what you noticed.
125 HzLow frequency
Changing tone never starts audio automatically. Replay a tone if background noise interrupted it.
No observations recorded yet. These responses describe this device and listening situation only.
What changes across the range?
Frequency controls pitch, but detectability depends on much more than frequency alone.
Devices have limits
Small speakers often struggle with very low bass, while headphones and speakers may roll off or distort very high tones.
Sensitivity is not flat
A tone at one frequency can seem louder than another even when the electronic signal level is identical.
Hearing changes
People differ, and high-frequency sensitivity commonly changes with age and noise exposure.
20 Hz to 20 kHz is approximate
This familiar range is a reference for young, healthy human hearing, not a guaranteed range for every listener.
Clinical tests are calibrated
A professional hearing assessment uses calibrated equipment and controlled sound levels, unlike a web browser.