Wave Frequency and Wavelength Calculator
Calculate any one of wave speed, frequency, or wavelength given the other two using the fundamental wave equation.
Fill in any two fields and click Calculate.
Formula
v = f × λ
- v = wave speed (metres per second, m/s)
- f = frequency (hertz, Hz = cycles per second)
- λ (lambda) = wavelength (metres, m)
Rearranged:
- Frequency: f = v ÷ λ
- Wavelength: λ = v ÷ f
Assumptions & References
- The wave equation v = fλ applies to all periodic waves including sound, light, water, and electromagnetic waves.
- Wave speed depends on the medium: sound in air ≈ 343 m/s (20 °C), light in a vacuum ≈ 299,792,458 m/s.
- Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional at constant wave speed — doubling frequency halves wavelength.
- All input values must be positive and non-zero.
- Reference: Halliday, Resnick & Krane, Physics, 5th ed., Chapter 17 (Waves).
- SI units are used throughout; the calculator accepts any consistent positive values.