Explore the complete vocal range chart for all voice types—bass to soprano. Includes note ranges, frequency (Hz) mapping, examples, and a step-by-step method to find your own vocal range. Accurate, updated, and beginner-friendly.
Understanding your vocal range is one of the most powerful insights a singer can have. A clear vocal range chart helps you identify which notes you can sing comfortably, how your range compares to standard voice types, and how you can improve your singing technique over time.
This guide includes full SATB charts, note-to-frequency data, male and female range comparisons, and step-by-step instructions for determining your own range.
Test your pitch now with this free tool.
What Is a Vocal Range Chart?
A vocal range chart is a visual or tabular representation showing the lowest and highest notes commonly sung by different voice types—bass, baritone, tenor, alto, mezzo-soprano, and soprano. These charts typically use scientific pitch notation (e.g., C3–C5) and sometimes list frequency values in hertz (Hz).
Why Vocal Range Charts Matter
A good vocal range chart helps singers:
- Identify their voice type
- Understand their comfortable singing zone (tessitura)
- Choose appropriate songs
- Track vocal development over time
How to Read a Vocal Range Chart
Scientific Pitch Notation (C2–C7)
In this notation:
- Letters (A–G) represent notes
- Numbers represent octave position
Examples:
- C3 → Middle-low male range
- A5 → High female range
Register Transitions
Most singers transition between:
- Chest voice
- Mix voice
- Head voice
- (Sometimes) Whistle register
These transitions affect where a singer comfortably performs, even if their absolute range is larger.
Notes vs Frequencies
Each musical note corresponds to a frequency.
Example:
- A4 = 440 Hz
- C3 = 130.81 Hz
Charts that include frequencies are extremely accurate for vocal analysis and pedagogy.
Full SATB Vocal Range Chart (Notes & Hz)
The table below reflects common ranges across classical, contemporary, and popular singing traditions.
Vocal Range Chart (Complete Table)
| Voice Type | Typical Range (Notes) | Frequency Range (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | E2 – E4 | ~82 – 330 Hz |
| Baritone | A2 – A4 | ~110 – 440 Hz |
| Tenor | C3 – C5 | ~130 – 523 Hz |
| Countertenor | E3 – E5 | ~165 – 659 Hz |
| Alto | F3 – F5 | ~174 – 698 Hz |
| Mezzo-Soprano | A3 – A5 | ~220 – 880 Hz |
| Soprano | C4 – C6 | ~261 – 1046 Hz |
| Coloratura | E4 – F6+ | ~330 – 1397+ Hz |
Note: Ranges overlap significantly—voice type is defined by tessitura, tone, and register behavior, not range alone.
Male Vocal Ranges Explained
Bass
- Lowest male voice
- Warm, rich, dark timbre
- Typical range: E2–E4
Baritone
- Most common male voice
- Sits between tenor brightness and bass depth
- Typical range: A2–A4
Tenor
- Bright, powerful high male voice
- Common in pop, rock, musical theatre
- Typical range: C3–C5
Countertenor
- Uses reinforced falsetto/head voice
- Often sings in traditional alto roles
- Typical range: E3–E5
Female Vocal Ranges Explained
Alto
- Lowest female voice
- Strong, deep, velvety tone
- Typical range: F3–F5
Mezzo-Soprano
- Most common female voice
- Warm middle tone with flexible high notes
- Typical range: A3–A5
Soprano
- Highest female voice
- Clear, bright, agile
- Typical range: C4–C6
Coloratura Soprano
- Extreme agility and upper extension
- Highest typical human singing range
- Typical range: E4 to F6+
Frequency (Hz) Chart for All Vocal Ranges
This section is extremely useful for voice scientists, vocal coaches, and AI tools.
| Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|
| C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| C4 (Middle C) | 261.63 Hz |
| C5 | 523.25 Hz |
| C6 | 1046.50 Hz |
You can map voice type ranges directly to these frequencies to analyze singers with precision.
How to Find Your Vocal Range (Step-by-Step)
1. Warm Up
Light humming, lip trills, and sirens for 5–7 minutes.
2. Find Your Lowest Note
Slide downward gently and stop where the tone becomes unstable.
3. Find Your Highest Note
Slide upward without strain; don’t push beyond comfort.
4. Record Your Range
Example:
Lowest = G2, Highest = D5 → Your range = G2–D5
5. Compare to the Chart
Match to the closest voice type—but consider tessitura and tone before labeling yourself.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Confusing falsetto with full range
- Testing while un-warmed
- Forcing extreme notes
Example Ranges of Famous Singers
| Singer | Approx. Range |
|---|---|
| Freddie Mercury | F2–F6 |
| Mariah Carey | G2–G7 |
| Ariana Grande | D3–E7 |
| Beyoncé | A2–E6 |
| Whitney Houston | A2–C6 |
(These vary by source, genre, and recording.)
FAQs
What is the average vocal range?
- Men: ~E2–G4
- Women: ~A3–A5
What is the rarest vocal range?
Contralto (female) and true bass (male) are the rarest.
Can your vocal range change with age?
Yes—most singers gain range from training but lose some flexibility later in life.
Is vocal range the same as voice type?
No. Voice type includes timbre and tessitura.
Are online vocal range tests accurate?
They are helpful but vary by microphone quality and user technique.
Final Vocal Range Chart Summary
If you want a quick reference:
- Lowest male range: Bass (E2–E4)
- Highest female range: Soprano/Coloratura (C4–F6+)
- Ranges overlap—voice type must consider timbre and register behavior
- Use careful, step-by-step testing to find your own range
- To understand where charts fit within vocal limits, this overview of the human vocal range explains the full span of possible notes.
- For readers wanting deeper classification detail, this breakdown of the types of vocal ranges clarifies how voice types are defined.
- Connecting ranges to written music is easier with this explanation of vocal range notes and how they’re labeled.
- Choral and ensemble singers can refine placement by reviewing the SATB vocal ranges used in choir settings.
- To compare extremes visually, this analysis of the highest vocal range shows how far voices can extend upward.
- At the opposite end, this breakdown of the lowest vocal range provides context for deep voices.
- Readers who want a personalized reference point can take a vocal range test online for accurate placement.