Frequency and Period Calculator
Convert between frequency and period. Enter a frequency in hertz to get the period, or a period in seconds to get the frequency and angular frequency.
Last reviewed by the Radiatus Cloud team
Convert between frequency (Hz) and period (seconds).
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Convert frequency and period
Frequency and period are two sides of the same coin. Frequency is the number of cycles per second, measured in hertz, while period is the time for one complete cycle, measured in seconds. They are reciprocals: the period equals one divided by the frequency, and vice versa. A fifty-hertz signal has a period of twenty milliseconds. This calculator converts between the two and also gives the angular frequency, used in the mathematics of waves and oscillations.
The reciprocal relationship means a higher frequency always corresponds to a shorter period.
Waves and oscillations
Frequency and period describe anything that repeats: sound waves, alternating current, radio signals, light and mechanical vibrations. Converting between them is a routine task in physics, electronics and engineering. Mains electricity, for example, runs at fifty or sixty hertz depending on the country, corresponding to periods of twenty or about sixteen and a half milliseconds.
Angular frequency, two pi times the frequency, appears in the equations of simple harmonic motion and wave physics, measured in radians per second. All calculation happens locally in your browser.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How are frequency and period related?
They are reciprocals: period equals one over frequency, and frequency equals one over period. A higher frequency means a shorter period.
What units are used?
Frequency is in hertz, cycles per second, and period is in seconds. Short periods are often given in milliseconds.
What is angular frequency?
It is two pi times the ordinary frequency, measured in radians per second, and appears in the equations of oscillations and waves.
What is the frequency of mains electricity?
Fifty hertz in much of the world and sixty hertz in North America, corresponding to periods of twenty and about 16.7 milliseconds.
Can I convert either way?
Yes. Enter a frequency to get the period, or a period to get the frequency, and the tool also shows the angular frequency.
Privacy & Security
Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to Use
Enter a frequency or a period to convert between them.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.