🎚️ Sample Rate & Nyquist Calculator
Pick a sample rate and bit depth to see the Nyquist frequency and the dynamic range.
Nyquist frequency
22.05 kHz
highest frequency captured
Dynamic range
96.3 dB
≈ 6.02 dB per bit
Data rate (mono)
706 kbps
The Nyquist–Shannon theorem says a sample rate can only represent frequencies up to half of it — the Nyquist frequency. So 44.1 kHz (CD) captures up to 22.05 kHz, just above human hearing. Bit depth sets the dynamic range at about 6.02 dB per bit, so 16-bit gives ~96 dB and 24-bit ~144 dB of range between the quietest and loudest sound. 🔒 In your browser.
How the sample rate & nyquist calculator works
Two numbers define digital audio quality. The sample rate sets the highest frequency that can be captured: by the Nyquist–Shannon theorem it's exactly half the sample rate (the Nyquist frequency), so 44.1 kHz reaches 22.05 kHz — just past the ~20 kHz limit of human hearing. The bit depth sets the dynamic range, the gap between the quietest and loudest sound, at about 6.02 dB per bit — so 16-bit gives roughly 96 dB and 24-bit about 144 dB. The tool computes both and the mono data rate.
Higher sample rates (96 kHz, 192 kHz) capture ultrasonic content useful during editing and slowing down audio, but for final listening 44.1/48 kHz already covers human hearing. Extra bit depth mainly buys headroom for mixing; 24-bit is the production standard, with 16-bit fine for distribution.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nyquist frequency?
The highest frequency a sample rate can accurately represent — exactly half the sample rate. At 44.1 kHz it's 22.05 kHz; at 48 kHz it's 24 kHz. Frequencies above it must be filtered out to avoid aliasing.
Why is CD audio 44.1 kHz?
To capture the full ~20 kHz range of human hearing you need a sample rate above 40 kHz (twice 20 kHz). 44.1 kHz gives a Nyquist frequency of 22.05 kHz, leaving room for the anti-aliasing filter above 20 kHz.
How much dynamic range does bit depth give?
About 6.02 dB per bit. So 16-bit provides roughly 96 dB, 24-bit about 144 dB. That's the ratio between the smallest and largest signal the format can encode.
Is a higher sample rate always better?
Not for listening — 44.1/48 kHz already covers human hearing. Higher rates (96/192 kHz) help during production (editing, pitch/time changes, ultrasonic capture) but increase file size and CPU load with no audible benefit in the final mix for most people.
What is aliasing?
When a signal contains frequencies above the Nyquist limit, they get "folded" back as false lower frequencies — aliases. Anti-aliasing filters remove content above Nyquist before sampling to prevent this distortion.