New frequency = base × 2^(cents ÷ 1200). Cents between two frequencies = 1200 × log₂(f₂ ÷ f₁). 100 cents = one semitone; 1200 cents = one octave. Related: note frequency, equal temperament.
You enter a base frequency and a cent offset, or two frequencies to compare. For cents-to-frequency, the tool computes newFreq = base × 2^(cents ÷ 1200). For the difference between two frequencies, it computes cents = 1200 × log₂(f₂ ÷ f₁). Both formulas derive from the equal-temperament definition where one octave equals 1,200 cents.
A cent is 1/100 of an equal-tempered semitone, or 1/1200 of an octave. It is a logarithmic unit, which means adding 100 cents always multiplies the frequency by the same ratio (~1.0595), regardless of the starting pitch.
Hz differences are not perceptually uniform — a 10 Hz gap sounds large at low frequencies but tiny at high ones. Cents are perception-proportional: 100 cents always sounds like one semitone, whether you start at 100 Hz or 1,000 Hz.
Most listeners can detect pitch differences of about 5–10 cents. Professional musicians often aim for accuracy within 2–3 cents. Orchestral tuning and choral intonation routinely involve adjustments of just a few cents.
Yes. A negative cent offset means the new frequency is lower than the base. Similarly, the cents-between result is negative when f₂ is lower than f₁.
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas. Double-check important decisions independently.