〰️ Wavelength Calculator (v = fλ)
Relate wave speed, frequency and wavelength (v = fλ) — enter any two to get the third.
Wavelength λ
2 m
Wave equation: v = f·λ (speed = frequency × wavelength). For light, v = c = 3×10⁸ m/s; period T = 1/f. 🔒 Computed in your browser.
How the wavelength calculator (v = fλ) works
For any wave, speed = frequency × wavelength: v = fλ. Enter any two of the three and the tool solves for the last. For light in a vacuum, v = c = 3×10⁸ m/s; for sound in air, about 340 m/s. Period T = 1/f.
One equation for all waves. Higher frequency means shorter wavelength at a fixed speed — the reason blue light has a shorter wavelength than red.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate wavelength?
Divide the wave speed by the frequency: λ = v/f. A 170 Hz sound in air (340 m/s) has λ = 2 m. Enter speed and frequency to compute it.
What is the wave equation?
v = fλ: wave speed equals frequency times wavelength. It applies to sound, light, water waves and all other waves.
What speed do I use for light?
The speed of light, c = 299,792,458 m/s (about 3×10⁸ m/s) in a vacuum. In a medium it’s slower by the refractive index.
How are frequency and wavelength related?
Inversely, at fixed speed: higher frequency ⇒ shorter wavelength. Doubling the frequency halves the wavelength.
What is the period of a wave?
The time for one cycle, T = 1/f. A 170 Hz wave has a period of about 5.9 ms.