Tone Generator
Generate sine, square, sawtooth, and triangle waveforms at any frequency
The Tone Generator plays precise tones from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz in your browser. Pick a waveform, dial in a frequency or tap a note preset. Musicians tune with it, engineers test speakers with it.
How to Use
- Set a frequency: type Hz or pick a preset
- Choose a waveform: sine, square, sawtooth, triangle
- Press play: the nearest note is displayed
Features
- Four waveforms
- Note presets C2–C6, including A4
- Frequency-to-note display
How Sound Frequency Works
Frequency is how often a sound wave vibrates per second, in hertz; higher frequency means higher pitch. Healthy ears hear roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz, though the top end fades with age.
Pitch is logarithmic: doubling frequency raises a note one octave, so A4 at 440 Hz becomes A5 at 880 Hz. The waveform shapes the character — sine is one pure frequency, while the others stack harmonics that make the same note sound hollow, bright, or mellow.
Use Cases
- Tuning: match instruments to reference pitches
- Speakers: sweep frequencies to find rattles
- Hearing: explore the top of your range
- Teaching: demonstrate pitch and octaves
Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tone generator used for?
A tone generator produces audio signals at specific frequencies and is used for hearing tests, instrument tuning, audio equipment calibration, science demonstrations, and sound design. Musicians use it for tuning references, audio engineers for testing equipment, and educators for teaching wave physics.
What waveforms can I generate?
This tone generator offers four waveform types: Sine waves produce a pure, smooth tone with a single frequency; Square waves have a hollow, buzzy character rich in odd harmonics; Sawtooth waves produce a bright, buzzy tone with both odd and even harmonics; and Triangle waves are similar to sine but with a slightly softer, warmer tone than square waves.
Is this safe for my speakers?
Yes, when used responsibly. Start with low volume (below 50%) and gradually increase. Avoid playing very low frequencies (under 50 Hz) at high volume, which can damage small speakers. Never use maximum volume. The tone generator includes a volume slider so you can always start quiet and adjust as needed. If you hear distortion or rattling, lower the volume immediately.
Can I use this to tune my instrument?
Absolutely. Use the frequency presets to access common tuning notes instantly (A4 at 440 Hz is the standard concert pitch). The note display shows the nearest musical note for any frequency, so you can fine-tune to exact reference pitches.