How accurate is the pitch detector?

Our tool is highly accurate, with a precision of within ±5 cents of a note. It uses the industry-standard YIN algorithm for reliable, real-time analysis suitable for both musicians and audio professionals. For more details, see our accuracy tests .

Is my audio data private and secure?

Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. All audio processing is done locally in your browser. No audio is ever recorded, stored, or sent to a server. You can read our full data security policy for more information.

The detector isn't working. What should I do?

First, ensure you have granted microphone access in your browser. If it's still not working, try using a quiet, echo-free environment and holding a clear, steady note. For a complete list of solutions, please visit our troubleshooting page .

What are 'cents' in music?

A 'cent' is a unit of measurement for musical intervals. There are 100 cents in one semitone (the distance between two adjacent notes on a piano). Our meter shows how many cents sharp (positive value) or flat (negative value) your note is, allowing for very precise tuning.

What is the difference between pitch and frequency?

Frequency is the scientific measurement of a sound wave's vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Pitch is the musical term for how high or low a note sounds to our ears. While they are related, pitch is a subjective perception, whereas frequency is an objective measurement. Learn more in our glossary .

Can I use this to tune my guitar?

Yes! This tool works perfectly as an online guitar tuner. Simply play each string one at a time and use the feedback to adjust the tuning pegs until the note is perfect. It works for acoustic and electric guitars (if played through an amplifier).

What Is a Pitch Detector?

If you’ve ever wondered what note am I singing? or needed precise tuning for vocals or instruments, you’ve probably come across the term pitch detector.

A pitch detector bridges the gap between raw sound and musical precision. Whether you’re singing, teaching, or producing music, it delivers real-time, accurate, and private feedback for better results.

Quick Definition: Pitch Detector in Simple Terms

A pitch detector is a tool that listens to sound and instantly shows you three things:

The musical note (e.g., A4, C#3)
The frequency in Hz (e.g., A4 = 440 Hz)
How close you are to perfect tuning, measured in ±cents

Try the free, browser-based Pitch Detector now. No sign-up, no downloads — everything runs in your browser for privacy.

How a Pitch Detector Works

Here’s the simple version:

The mic captures a short segment of sound.
The detector analyzes the sound for repeating patterns to find the fundamental frequency (pitch).
It converts that frequency to the nearest musical note and shows how far off you are in ±cents.

For algorithm details like autocorrelation and latency handling, see our Methodology page.

Why ±Cents Matter

The ±cents display tells you how close you are to the correct pitch:

±Cents Value	Intonation Status
0–5¢	Perfectly in tune
6–15¢	Slight adjustment needed
>15¢	Off-pitch — re-center note

Singers and musicians rely on this feedback for consistent tuning. The Voice Pitch Analyzer offers real-time visuals and vocal practice guidance.

Pitch Detector vs Tuner vs Converters

People often confuse pitch detectors with tuners or converters. Here’s a quick comparison:

Tool	Best For	Output Format
Pitch Detector	Live practice (voice, instruments)	Note + Hz + ±cents
Tuner	Quick “in/out of tune” checks	Note only
Converters	Numbers ↔ Notes	Hz → Note / Note → Hz

Live audio: Use the Pitch Detector.
Calculations only: Try Frequency → Note Converter or Note → Frequency Converter.
Recorded files: Use the Audio-File Pitch Detector.

A4 Calibration: 440 vs 442 Hz

Some ensembles tune slightly higher at A4 = 442 Hz instead of 440 Hz.

Note	440 Hz Tuning	442 Hz Tuning
A4	440.0 Hz	442.0 Hz
C4	261.6 Hz	262.8 Hz

The note names stay the same — only the absolute frequencies change. Our detector lets you switch between 440 and 442 easily.

Quick Start Guide (30–60 Seconds)

Open the PitchDetector.
Allow microphone access when prompted.
Stay in a quiet room; keep the mic 20–30 cm away at 15–30°.
Sing or play a single, steady note for 3–5 seconds.
Read the note, Hz, and ±cents on-screen.

Troubleshooting Tips

Flickering readings? Reduce background noise and hold a steady vowel.
No mic input? Check browser permissions or try an external mic.
Head voice/falsetto not detected? Increase input gain or reduce distance.

Find full solutions in our FAQ.

Who Uses Pitch Detectors?

Singers & Choirs: Improve intonation and accuracy.
Instrumentalists: Fine-tune beyond simple tuners.
Teachers & Coaches: Objective practice feedback.
Producers & Engineers: Analyze recordings in detail.

Privacy & Accessibility

All tools run on your device — nothing is uploaded or stored.
For screen reader support, keyboard navigation, and reduced motion options, see Accessibility.

FAQs About Pitch Detectors

1. What is a pitch detector in simple terms?
A tool that shows your note, frequency (Hz), and ±cents offset in real time.

2. Is it different from a tuner?
Yes. Tuners give yes/no answers. Pitch detectors show how close you are in cents.

3. Can I analyze recordings instead of live input?
Yes, use the Audio-File Pitch Detector for MP3/WAV/M4A files.

4. Does A4 = 442 change the note names?
No, only the absolute frequencies change; note names stay the same.

5. Is my audio private?
Completely. Everything runs in your browser; no data leaves your device.

Ornella

Pitch Detector is a project by Ornella, blending audio engineering and web technology to deliver precise, real-time pitch detection through your browser. Designed for musicians, producers, and learners who want fast, accurate tuning without installing any software.