How this calculator works
A vocal range is the distance from the lowest note a singer can produce comfortably to the highest. Count the semitones between the two and divide by twelve for octaves. The result is a physical fact about the voice, but the voice type also depends on where the voice sounds best, which is the tessitura, and on its colour. Two singers with the same two octaves can be a baritone and a tenor because one is comfortable high and the other low. This page classifies by the centre of the range against typical written ranges, which is a rough guide only. A teacher listening to the passaggio and the tessitura gives a better answer.
Formula
range in semitones = MIDI number of the highest note - MIDI number of the lowest note. range in octaves = semitones / 12. Frequency in hertz = 440 x 2^((MIDI - 69) / 12).
Worked example
A singer from C3 to C5 covers MIDI 48 to 72, which is 24 semitones or two octaves. The centre is MIDI 60, matching the tenor range. A singer from A2 to A4 also covers 24 semitones, but the centre is MIDI 57, which is the baritone range. The frequency of the lowest note, A2, is 440 x 2^((45 - 69)/12) = 110 Hz.
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Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the voice type?
It is a rough classification based on the typical written range. Real voices are classified by timbre, tessitura, the passaggio notes and how the singer sounds across the range. A baritone who can reach a high C is still a baritone if the low and middle voice is the core of the sound. Use the label as a starting point and confirm with a teacher.
Should I measure my full range or my comfortable range?
Use the comfortable range for singing and practice planning. Every voice can strain a few notes beyond its usable range, but those notes do not define the type and should not be used in performance. Note where the voice feels free rather than where it can only reach.
Why does my range change with warm-up?
Muscles, hydration and fatigue all affect the voice. A cold morning range can be a tone smaller than a warmed-up evening range. Measure after warming up, and repeat on several days before drawing conclusions.
Do these ranges apply to choir parts?
Choral parts use the same names but the ranges are usually narrower and centred higher: a choral tenor rarely needs the low notes of a solo tenor. Choir directors also consider blend and the number of singers available, so a voice may be placed in an adjacent section.