Music Interval Calculator
Calculate intervals between musical notes and understand music theory relationships
Music Interval Calculator
Starting note of the interval
Ending note of the interval
Interval Result
Analysis:
Musical Intervals Chart
| Semitones | Interval Name | Example (from C) | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Perfect Unison | C → C | P1 |
| 1 | Minor Second | C → D♭ | m2 |
| 2 | Major Second | C → D | M2 |
| 3 | Minor Third | C → E♭ | m3 |
| 4 | Major Third | C → E | M3 |
| 5 | Perfect Fourth | C → F | P4 |
| 6 | Tritone (Aug 4th/Dim 5th) | C → F♯/G♭ | TT |
| 7 | Perfect Fifth | C → G | P5 |
| 8 | Minor Sixth | C → A♭ | m6 |
| 9 | Major Sixth | C → A | M6 |
| 10 | Minor Seventh | C → B♭ | m7 |
| 11 | Major Seventh | C → B | M7 |
| 12 | Perfect Octave | C → C | P8 |
Common Intervals
Click any example to set the calculator
Interval Qualities
Quick Tips
Tritone (6 semitones) is the most dissonant interval
Perfect 5th (7 semitones) is the most consonant after unison
Major and minor thirds define chord quality
Compound intervals are larger than an octave
Understanding Musical Intervals
What Are Intervals?
Musical intervals are the distance between two notes, measured in semitones. They form the foundation of melody, harmony, and chord construction in music. Understanding intervals helps musicians play by ear, analyze music, and compose.
Interval Components
- •Number: The letter-name distance (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.)
- •Quality: Perfect, major, minor, augmented, diminished
- •Size: Number of semitones between the notes
Between Notes vs Pitches
Enharmonic Equivalents
C# and D♭ sound the same but have different names depending on musical context. The calculator accounts for these differences in "between notes" mode.
Practical Applications
Melody Writing
Understanding intervals helps create smooth melodic lines and identify leaps vs. steps in melodies.
Harmony & Chords
Chords are built from specific intervals. Major chords use major thirds, minor chords use minor thirds.
Ear Training
Learning to recognize intervals by ear is fundamental for musical transcription and improvisation.
Step-by-Step Interval Identification
1. Count the letter names: F to D = F(1), G(2), A(3), B(4), C(5), D(6) = 6th
2. Count the semitones: F to D = 9 semitones
3. Determine quality: 9 semitones for a 6th = Major sixth
4. Check accidentals: Adjust quality based on sharps/flats