Intervals Between Notes Calculator
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Calculate the distance between two musical notes in semitones, steps, and quality. This calculator helps musicians, composers, and music theory students understand the intervals between notes in different keys and scales.
How to Use This Calculator
Using the intervals between notes calculator is simple:
- Select the first note from the dropdown menu.
- Select the second note from the dropdown menu.
- Click the "Calculate" button to see the interval between the two notes.
- Review the results, which include the interval in semitones, steps, and quality.
The calculator will display the interval name, the number of semitones between the notes, and whether the interval is major, minor, perfect, or augmented/diminished.
How Intervals Between Notes Are Calculated
Musical intervals are calculated based on the number of semitones between two notes. The basic formula is:
Interval Calculation Formula
Interval (semitones) = (Note 2 position - Note 1 position) mod 12
If the result is negative, add 12 to get the correct interval.
The interval quality is determined by comparing the calculated semitones to standard interval sizes:
- Perfect intervals (unison, 4th, 5th, octave) have specific semitone counts.
- Major intervals are larger than perfect intervals by 1 semitone.
- Minor intervals are smaller than perfect intervals by 1 semitone.
- Augmented intervals are larger than perfect intervals by 1 semitone.
- Diminished intervals are smaller than perfect intervals by 1 semitone.
Common Musical Intervals
Here are some common musical intervals and their semitone values:
| Interval Name | Semitones | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Unison | 0 | Perfect |
| Minor 2nd | 1 | Minor |
| Major 2nd | 2 | Major |
| Minor 3rd | 3 | Minor |
| Major 3rd | 4 | Major |
| Perfect 4th | 5 | Perfect |
| Tritone | 6 | Diminished 5th/Augmented 4th |
| Perfect 5th | 7 | Perfect |
| Minor 6th | 8 | Minor |
| Major 6th | 9 | Major |
| Minor 7th | 10 | Minor |
| Major 7th | 11 | Major |
| Octave | 12 | Perfect |
Worked Examples
Example 1: C to E
Calculate the interval between C and E:
- C is at position 0 on the chromatic scale.
- E is at position 4 on the chromatic scale.
- Interval (semitones) = (4 - 0) mod 12 = 4 semitones.
- The interval is a Major 3rd (4 semitones).
Example 2: F to Bb
Calculate the interval between F and Bb:
- F is at position 5 on the chromatic scale.
- Bb is at position 10 on the chromatic scale.
- Interval (semitones) = (10 - 5) mod 12 = 5 semitones.
- The interval is a Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a major and minor interval?
A major interval is larger than a perfect interval by 1 semitone, while a minor interval is smaller than a perfect interval by 1 semitone. For example, a Major 3rd is 4 semitones, while a Minor 3rd is 3 semitones.
How do I calculate the interval between two notes in different octaves?
When calculating intervals between notes in different octaves, subtract 12 for each octave difference. For example, the interval between C4 and C5 is an Octave (12 semitones).
What is the difference between an augmented and diminished interval?
An augmented interval is larger than a perfect interval by 1 semitone, while a diminished interval is smaller than a perfect interval by 1 semitone. For example, an Augmented 5th is 8 semitones, while a Diminished 5th is 6 semitones.