Wavelength Calculator
Calculate wavelength and period from positive wave speed in metres per second and frequency in hertz.
Calculate wavelength from speed and frequency
How this tool works
Wave speed, frequency, and wavelength describe how fast a repeating disturbance travels, how often it cycles, and the spatial length of each cycle. The calculator also reports period as time per cycle.
Wavelength λ equals wave speed v divided by frequency f. Period T equals one divided by frequency, with hertz representing cycles per second.
How to use it
- Enter positive wave speed in metres per second.
- Enter positive frequency in hertz.
- Read wavelength in metres and period in seconds.
Worked examples
Sound at concert A
- Input
- 343 m/s and 440 Hz
- Output
- Approximately 0.779545 m
Dividing the assumed sound speed by 440 cycles per second gives the spatial length of each cycle, approximately 0.78 metres.
Simple wave
- Input
- 20 m/s and 5 Hz
- Output
- 4 m
A wave travelling twenty metres each second while completing five cycles per second spans four metres per cycle.
Limitations
- Wave speed depends on medium and conditions and must be supplied accurately.
- Dispersion and changing media are not modeled.