440Hz is the standard tuning pitch for musical note A4.

Online Tone Generator

Generate pure sine, square, sawtooth, or triangle waves at specific frequencies.

440 Hz

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Online Tone Generator - Free Frequency Sound Player

Generate pure sine, square, sawtooth, and triangle waves directly in your browser. Our free online tone generator allows you to play specific frequencies from 1Hz to 20,000Hz (20kHz). Perfect for testing audio equipment, tuning instruments, science experiments, or hearing tests.

ℹ️ Did you know? The standard tuning pitch for most musical instruments is A4 = 440Hz. However, human hearing range typically spans from 20Hz to 20kHz, though this upper limit decreases with age.

What Can You Do with a Tone Generator?

1. Test Audio Equipment

Use specific frequencies to test speakers, headphones, and subwoofers. Low frequencies (20Hz-100Hz) test bass response, while high frequencies (10kHz+) test tweeters. A sweep from low to high can reveal resonance or rattling issues in your setup.

2. Tune Musical Instruments

Generate a precise reference pitch (like A4 440Hz) to tune guitars, violins, pianos, and other instruments by ear. You can adjust the frequency to match any note or tuning standard (e.g., 432Hz).

3. Tinnitus Relief (Masking)

Some people find relief from tinnitus (ringing in the ears) by matching the frequency of their ringing and playing a tone at a similar or slightly lower volume. This is known as "frequency matching" or "masking."

4. Science & Physics Experiments

Demonstrate sound wave properties, interference patterns (beats), and resonance in physics classrooms. Visualize sound waves using a connected oscilloscope or water/sand on a vibrating plate (Chladni figures).

5. Hearing Tests

Check your hearing range by playing high frequencies. Most adults can't hear above 15-17kHz. Caution: Always start with low volume to protect your ears.

How to Use the Online Tone Generator

Step 1: Select Waveform

Choose the type of sound wave you want to generate:

Sine: A smooth, pure tone. Best for hearing tests and speaker testing.
Square: A harsh, buzzy tone. Rich in odd harmonics. Used in synthesizers and signaling.
Sawtooth: A bright, brassy tone. Contains all harmonics. Common in electronic music.
Triangle: A softer, hollow tone. Like a sine wave but with some odd harmonics.

Step 2: Set Frequency

Enter a value in Hertz (Hz) or use the slider. You can type any number between 1 and 20000. Common frequencies include:

440 Hz: Standard musical pitch (A4)
1000 Hz (1 kHz): Standard reference tone for audio calibration
60 Hz: AC power hum frequency (US)
50 Hz: AC power hum frequency (Europe)

Step 3: Adjust Volume

Start with the volume low (around 10-20%) and increase it gradually. High-frequency sounds can be piercing and damaging at high volumes.

Step 4: Play/Stop

Click the "Play" button to start the tone. Click "Stop" to silence it. You can change frequency and waveform in real-time while the sound is playing.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the "Sweep" function (if available manually) by slowly sliding the frequency slider from left to right to test the full range of your speakers or headphones.

Understanding Sound Waves

Frequency (Pitch)

Measured in Hertz (Hz), frequency determines how high or low a sound is. Higher numbers mean higher pitch.
Bass: 20Hz - 250Hz
Midrange: 250Hz - 4kHz
Treble: 4kHz - 20kHz

Amplitude (Volume)

Determines the loudness of the sound. In digital audio, this is often measured in Decibels (dB) or percentage.

Waveform (Timbre)

The shape of the wave determines the "color" or quality of the sound. A sine wave is the fundamental building block of all sounds.

Troubleshooting

No Sound?

Check if your device volume is up and not muted.
Ensure the tool's volume slider is not at zero.
Click "Play" - modern browsers require user interaction to start audio.
Check your browser tab isn't muted.

Clicking or Popping?

This can happen if you change frequencies too rapidly or if your CPU usage is high. Try closing other tabs or adjusting the frequency more slowly.

Safety Warning

⚠️ Protect Your Hearing: High-frequency sounds (above 10kHz) and very low frequencies can be damaging even if they don't "sound" loud. Always keep volume moderate. Do not use headphones at max volume for frequency testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tone generator accurate?

Yes, it uses the Web Audio API, which generates mathematically precise waveforms directly from your browser's audio engine. It is accurate enough for musical tuning and general audio testing.

Can I play two tones at once?

This specific tool plays one tone at a time (monophonic). To play multiple tones (polyphonic) or create beats, open the tool in two separate browser tabs.

Why can't I hear 20,000 Hz?

Human hearing naturally degrades with age. While children can often hear up to 20kHz, most adults over 25 can only hear up to 15-17kHz. This is normal.

Can this remove water from phone speakers?

Playing a specific low frequency (often around 165Hz) at high volume can generate vibrations strong enough to push water out of speaker grills. While this tool can generate that frequency, results may vary depending on your device.