The human vocal range represents the full span of notes a person can produce—from the lowest rumbling pitches to the highest whistle tones. While the average person sings comfortably within 1½–2½ octaves, trained singers can extend far beyond this, and rare vocalists have reached extraordinary extremes on both ends of the spectrum.
This guide explains the average human vocal range, male vs female differences, frequency charts, how the vocal folds create pitch, and the highest and lowest notes ever recorded in human history.
Use the free tools on pitchdetector.com.
What Is the Human Vocal Range?
Human vocal range refers to the collection of notes—from lowest to highest—that the human voice can phonate. It is measured using scientific pitch notation (e.g., C2–C6) or frequency (Hz).
Typical Human Vocal Range
Most untrained humans can phonate:
~A2 to A4 (2 octaves)
Typical trained singers reach:
~E2 to C6 (3–3.5 octaves)
Exceptional vocalists surpass 4–5 octaves, and rare outliers exceed 6–7 octaves.
Human Vocal Range Chart (Notes & Octaves)
This table shows the span of common musical notes the human voice can produce.
| Category | Lowest Note | Highest Note | Typical Octave Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Human | A2 | A4 | ~2 octaves |
| Trained Singer | E2 | C6 | 3–3.5 octaves |
| Professional Vocalist | C2 | E6 | 3–4+ octaves |
| Extreme Outliers | G0 | G10 | 6–7+ octaves |
Male vs Female Human Vocal Range
Average Male Vocal Range
Most men fall between:
E2 – G4
Equivalent in voice types:
- Bass: E2–E4
- Baritone: A2–A4
- Tenor: C3–C5
Average Female Vocal Range
Most women fall between:
A3 – A5
Equivalent in voice types:
- Alto: F3–F5
- Mezzo-Soprano: A3–A5
- Soprano: C4–C6
Where Male and Female Ranges Overlap
Both genders share notes between:
C4–C5 (Middle C to one octave above)
Human Vocal Range Frequency Chart (Hz)
Frequency describes how fast the vocal folds vibrate. These frequencies correspond to commonly sung human notes.
| Note | Frequency (Hz) | Human Capability |
|---|---|---|
| E2 | 82.41 Hz | Common male low note |
| A2 | 110.00 Hz | Average lower limit for humans |
| C4 (Middle C) | 261.63 Hz | Central shared note for most voices |
| A4 | 440.00 Hz | Standard tuning note |
| C6 | 1046.50 Hz | High soprano note |
| F6 | 1396.91 Hz | Coloratura territory |
| C7 | 2093 Hz | Rare whistle register |
| G10 | ~25,000 Hz | Claimed extreme upper limit (rare) |
Human Extreme Vocal Ranges (Lowest & Highest Notes Ever Recorded)
Lowest Recorded Human Note
G−7 (0.189 Hz) – Tim Storms
Recognized by Guinness World Records.
Highest Recorded Human Note
Reported claims exceed A10–G10, often achieved via whistle register or experimental vocal fold vibration. Singers like Georgia Brown have been cited around G10, though measurements vary.
Widest Human Vocal Range
Tim Storms also holds the record: 10 octaves.
These extremes are not musically typical and often involve specialized physiology.
Anatomy Behind the Human Vocal Range
Your vocal range is shaped by:
1. Vocal Fold Length & Thickness
- Longer, thicker folds → lower pitches
- Shorter, thinner folds → higher pitches
2. Larynx & Cartilage Position
Tilting the thyroid cartilage helps achieve higher notes.
3. Breath Pressure & Airflow
Supports pitch stability and range extension.
4. Resonance Chambers
Chest, mouth, throat, and nasal cavities amplify and color the sound.
5. Neural Coordination
High notes require precise neuromuscular activation.
Human Vocal Registers and Their Ranges
Humans produce different note types depending on register.
| Register | Description | Typical Note Area |
|---|---|---|
| Chest Voice | Strong lower notes | E2–E4 |
| Mixed Voice | Blend of chest & head | A3–E5 |
| Head Voice | Lighter upper resonance | C4–C6 |
| Falsetto | Breathier, thin tone | E4–E6 |
| Whistle Register | Extreme high frequencies | E6–G10 |
Registers dramatically affect the reachable vocal range.
How to Measure Your Own Human Vocal Range
1. Warm Up
Use humming, light scales, and sirens for 3–5 minutes.
2. Find Your Lowest Note
Glide down until tone becomes unstable.
3. Find Your Highest Note
Slide upward without strain or throat tension.
4. Write Down Your Range
Example:
Lowest = G2
Highest = E5
Your range = G2–E5 (3 octaves)
5. Compare to Human Averages
Check against male/female range tables above.
Factors That Affect Human Vocal Range
Biological
- Genetics
- Vocal fold size
- Hormonal influences
Technical
- Breath control
- Register coordination
- Articulation and vowel shaping
Environmental
- Hydration
- Fatigue
- Vocal health
Aging
Children gain range as the larynx matures; range may narrow with age.
Can Humans Expand Their Vocal Range?
Yes—through:
- Register training
- Breath management
- Resonance balancing
- Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises
- Targeted warmups
Both lows and highs can improve, though upper extension tends to grow faster.
FAQs
What is the average human vocal range?
Around A2–A4 untrained; E2–C6 trained.
How many octaves can humans sing?
Average: 2
Trained: 3–4
Outliers: 6–10
Do men and women have different vocal ranges?
Yes—due to vocal fold mass and hormonal differences.
What is the rarest human vocal range?
True contralto (female) and true bass (male).
Can humans really sing 7 octaves?
A few rare individuals can; most cannot.
- To understand how individual voices compare, this detailed vocal range chart visually maps notes across different voice types.
- Connecting pitch to notation is clearer with this explanation of vocal range notes and how they’re defined.
- For readers curious about vocal extremes, this analysis of the highest vocal range shows how far the human voice can stretch upward.
- On the opposite end, this breakdown of the lowest vocal range explains how deep the human voice can go.
- If you want to compare yourself to these ranges, taking a vocal range test online provides an accurate personal benchmark.
- Understanding vocal classification is easier after reviewing the types of vocal ranges used in music and singing.
- To link notes with acoustics, this guide on frequency ranges for instruments and voices explains the science behind vocal pitch.