Online Tone Generator
Play a pure tone at any frequency, change it smoothly while it plays, and switch between sine, square, triangle and sawtooth waves.
- 1 Hz – 22 kHz
- 4 waveforms
- Note names
- Balance control
What is a tone generator?
A tone generator produces a steady sound at a chosen frequency, measured in hertz (Hz, cycles per second). This one runs in your browser with the Web Audio API, so the pitch is exact and changes instantly while it plays. Set a frequency with the slider, the number box or the octave and ±1 Hz buttons, choose a waveform, and pan it left or right. The nearest musical note is shown for tuning. A frequency sweep, white and pink noise, and a left/right test are included.
How to use the tone generator
- Set your system volume low, then choose a frequency with the slider or type it in the box.
- Select Play tone. Adjust the frequency, waveform and balance while it plays.
- Use the presets for common tests: 50–100 Hz for bass, 440 Hz for tuning, 1 kHz as a reference, or 15–17 kHz to check high-frequency hearing.
- Use the sweep to find the lowest and highest frequencies your speakers and ears can reproduce.
Speaker or headphone troubleshooting
- No sound at all: check the system output device and volume, the tab is not muted (right-click the tab) and Bluetooth headphones are connected.
- Sound on one side only: try another cable or headphone jack. If the left/right test plays from the wrong side, the headphones are on backwards or the channels are swapped in your audio settings.
- Thin sound and weak bass: run the polarity test. If “out of phase” sounds fuller, one speaker is wired with + and − reversed.
- Rattles at a certain pitch: play the sweep or hold a tone at that frequency to find the loose part.
Why use this online tone generator
- Changes without gapsSlide the frequency while it plays; there is no reload or click between pitches.
- Precise controlType exact values with decimals, step by 1 Hz, or jump an octave up or down.
- Four waveformsSine for pure tones, square and sawtooth for harmonics, triangle for a softer sound.
- Works offline once loadedTones are synthesised on your device; nothing is streamed or downloaded.
When to run a online tone generator
- Tuning instruments. Play A4 at 440 Hz or any reference note.
- Speaker and subwoofer tests. Find resonances, rattles and the low-frequency limit.
- Hearing range checks. Find the highest frequency you can hear (not a medical test).
- Science and teaching. Demonstrate pitch, octaves, beats and waveforms.
Checking a whole setup? Run the mic test, webcam test, keyboard test, mouse test, gamepad tester, sound test, dead pixel test and refresh rate test, or browse all device tests.
Example: find a rattle in your car door
Play a sine tone at 60 Hz with moderate volume and slowly raise it with the +1 Hz button. At around 85 Hz the door panel buzzes. Hold that frequency while you press on parts of the panel to find the loose clip.
What to expect from the result
Your speakers and headphones limit what you hear: small speakers rarely play below 100 Hz, and very high frequencies roll off on many devices. This is not a calibrated hearing test; see an audiologist for medical hearing assessments. Square and sawtooth waves are louder at the same setting, so the volume is reduced automatically.
Online Tone Generator questions
How do I generate a specific frequency?
Type the frequency in hertz into the box or drag the slider, then select Play tone. You can change the frequency while it plays.
What frequency range does the tone generator cover?
From 1 Hz to 22,000 Hz. Most people hear about 20 Hz to 17 kHz, and most speakers cannot reproduce the extremes.
Which waveform should I use?
Use sine for hearing and speaker tests because it is a single pure frequency. Square, sawtooth and triangle waves add harmonics and are useful for audio electronics and music.
Can I use this as a hearing test?
You can get a rough idea of your upper frequency limit, but results depend on your headphones and volume. It is not a medical hearing test.
What is 440 Hz?
440 Hz is the note A above middle C (A4), the standard tuning reference for most Western music.