Wave Speed Calculator

Relate frequency, wavelength, speed and period of a wave.

Inputs

Hz
m
Formulas
v = f·λ
T = 1 / f

Results

Wave speed m/s
Period s

The wave equation

Every periodic wave obeys the relationship v = fλ, where v is the wave speed, f the frequency, and λ the wavelength. The frequency is how many wave cycles pass a point each second, and the wavelength is the distance between successive crests. Their product is the speed at which the wave pattern travels.

v = f·λ

Period of a wave

The period T is the time for one full cycle and is simply the reciprocal of the frequency, T = 1/f. This calculator takes a frequency and wavelength and returns the wave speed and period. The same formula applies to sound, light, water, and any other wave.

Frequently asked questions

Does frequency or wavelength change when a wave enters a new medium?

The frequency stays fixed because it is set by the source. The speed changes with the medium, so the wavelength adjusts to keep v = fλ true.

What is the speed of sound in air?

About 343 m/s at 20°C. It increases with temperature.

Read the full guide