Music Interval Notation Calculator

Music interval notation is a system used to describe the distance between two musical notes. This calculator helps determine the interval between any two notes in semitones and identifies the interval's quality (perfect, major, minor, augmented, or diminished).

What is Interval Notation?

Interval notation in music describes the relationship between two notes. It consists of two parts: the interval number and the interval quality. The interval number indicates how many scale degrees apart the notes are, while the quality describes whether the interval is perfect, major, minor, augmented, or diminished.

Key Concepts

Interval Number: The count of scale degrees between two notes (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, 4th).
Interval Quality: The size of the interval (perfect, major, minor, augmented, diminished).
Semitones: The number of half-steps between two notes.

For example, the interval between C and E is a major third, which consists of four semitones (C to D is two semitones, D to E is two semitones).

How to Use This Calculator

Select the first note from the dropdown menu.
Select the second note from the dropdown menu.
Click "Calculate Interval" to determine the interval between the two notes.
Review the result, which includes the interval number, quality, and semitones.

Formula: Interval = |Note2 - Note1| mod 12 Quality = Determine based on interval number and semitones

Interval Notation Examples

Here are some examples of interval notation:

First Note	Second Note	Interval	Semitones
C	E	Major 3rd	4
F	B♭	Perfect 4th	5
A	C	Minor 3rd	3

Common Music Intervals

Here are some common music intervals and their properties:

Perfect Intervals: 1st (unison), 4th, 5th, 8ve. These have specific semitone counts.
Major Intervals: 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th. These are larger than perfect intervals.
Minor Intervals: 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th. These are smaller than perfect intervals.
Augmented Intervals: One semitone larger than perfect intervals.
Diminished Intervals: One semitone smaller than perfect intervals.

FAQ

What is the difference between a major and minor interval?: A major interval is larger than a perfect interval, while a minor interval is smaller. For example, a major 3rd is four semitones, while a minor 3rd is three semitones.
How do I determine the interval between two notes?: Count the number of scale degrees between the two notes to determine the interval number, then use the semitone count to determine the quality.
What is an augmented interval?: An augmented interval is one semitone larger than a perfect interval. For example, an augmented 4th is six semitones.
What is a diminished interval?: A diminished interval is one semitone smaller than a perfect interval. For example, a diminished 5th is six semitones.