Frequency Converter – Hz, kHz, MHz and GHz in 3 Easy Steps
Frequency Converter
Use this frequency converter: type a value into any unit field to instantly convert across all scales in real-time.
Use this free frequency converter to switch between hertz (Hz), kilohertz (kHz), megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz). Type a value into any box and the other three update instantly, so you never have to count zeros on radio, Wi-Fi, audio or processor specs.
Quick answer
1 kHz = 1,000 Hz, 1 MHz = 1,000 kHz = 1,000,000 Hz, and 1 GHz = 1,000 MHz = 1,000,000,000 Hz. So 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is 2,400 MHz or 2,400,000,000 Hz, and an FM station at 101.1 MHz is 101,100 kHz or 101,100,000 Hz.
Table of Contents
Frequency is the number of cycles per second. Mains power runs at 50 or 60 Hz, human hearing covers about 20 Hz to 20 kHz, FM radio sits around 100 MHz and Wi-Fi and processors work in gigahertz. Those numbers span nine orders of magnitude.
This frequency converter moves between all four units at once, which helps when reading data sheets, setting radio equipment or checking homework.
Frequency Conversion Formulas
- kHz = Hz ÷ 1,000
- MHz = Hz ÷ 1,000,000
- GHz = Hz ÷ 1,000,000,000
- Period T = 1 ÷ f (seconds)
- Wavelength λ = c ÷ f, where c ≈ 299,792,458 m/s
Common Frequencies
| Example | Frequency | In Hz |
|---|---|---|
| Mains power | 50 or 60 Hz | 50–60 |
| Lowest audible sound | ≈ 20 Hz | 20 |
| Highest audible sound | ≈ 20 kHz | 20,000 |
| AM (medium wave) radio | ≈ 530–1,700 kHz | 530,000–1,700,000 |
| FM radio | 87.5–108 MHz | 87,500,000–108,000,000 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 / 5 GHz | 2.4 × 10⁹ / 5 × 10⁹ |
| Desktop CPU clock | ≈ 3–5 GHz | 3–5 × 10⁹ |
How to Use the Frequency Converter
Step 1: Enter a Value in GHz
Type a value in Gigahertz (GHz). For 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, the converter shows 2,400 MHz, 2,400,000 kHz and 2,400,000,000 Hz.
Step 2: Convert a Radio Frequency in MHz
Type an FM station in Megahertz (MHz). 101.1 MHz equals 0.1011 GHz, 101,100 kHz and 101,100,000 Hz.
Step 3: Check the Reference Matrix
The Base Scale Reference Matrix shows each step: 1 kHz = 1,000 Hz, 1 MHz = 1,000 kHz, 1 GHz = 1,000 MHz and 1 GHz = 10⁹ Hz. Press Clear Fields to reset.
Frequency, Period and Wavelength
- Period: a 50 Hz mains cycle lasts 1 ÷ 50 = 0.02 s (20 ms).
- Radio wavelength: 101.1 MHz has λ ≈ 299,792,458 ÷ 101,100,000 ≈ 2.97 m.
- Wi-Fi wavelength: 2.4 GHz has λ ≈ 0.125 m (12.5 cm).
For direct wavelength calculations, use our wavelength to frequency calculator.
Where Frequency Units Are Used
- Radio and TV broadcasting, ham radio and aviation bands.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile networks.
- Audio engineering, speakers and equalisers.
- Computer processors, memory and clock signals.
- Power systems and motor speed control.
Radio Bands at a Glance
| Band | Range |
|---|---|
| LF (low frequency) | 30–300 kHz |
| MF (medium frequency) | 300 kHz–3 MHz |
| HF (shortwave) | 3–30 MHz |
| VHF | 30–300 MHz |
| UHF | 300 MHz–3 GHz |
| SHF (microwave) | 3–30 GHz |
Each band is ten times higher than the one below it. Type the edges of a band into the frequency converter to see them in any unit.
Tips for Avoiding Mistakes
- Each step up the scale divides by 1,000, not 1,024; that factor is only used for computer memory sizes.
- Check whether a spec gives centre frequency or a band range.
- Keep the same unit throughout a calculation, then convert the final answer.
More science tools: the Wavelength to Frequency Calculator, the Sound Level Unit Converter and the Electric Current Converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hertz are in a megahertz?
One megahertz equals 1,000,000 hertz.
How do I convert MHz to GHz?
Divide by 1,000. 2,400 MHz = 2.4 GHz.
How do I convert kHz to Hz?
Multiply by 1,000. 20 kHz = 20,000 Hz.
What frequency is FM radio?
FM broadcast radio uses about 87.5 to 108 MHz in most countries.
What is the period of a 60 Hz signal?
1 ÷ 60 ≈ 0.0167 seconds, or about 16.7 milliseconds.
Is my data stored?
No. The frequency converter runs in your browser and nothing is saved.