Wave Speed Calculator

Last updated: June 2026

Find

Frequency

Frequency unitWavelength

Wavelength unit

Wave speed

342.98 m/s

Speed reference

342.98 m/s

Frequency reference

440 Hz

Formula

Wave speed v = frequency f x wavelength lambda. Rearrange to f = v / lambda or lambda = v / f.

Wave references

Type	Speed	Typical wavelength
Sound in air	343 m/s	~0.78 m at 440 Hz
Light in vacuum	3 x 10^8 m/s	400-700 nm visible
Radio waves	3 x 10^8 m/s	mm to km
Seismic P-wave	~6,000 m/s	varies

About this calculator

The Wave Speed Calculator solves wave speed, frequency, or wavelength using v = f lambda. It is useful for sound waves, electromagnetic spectrum examples, radio questions, and school physics wave calculations.

Wave equation

Wave speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength. The calculator converts frequency, speed, and wavelength units before solving the missing value.

v = f x lambda
f = v / lambda
lambda = v / f

How to use the wave speed calculator

Choose whether to find speed, frequency, or wavelength.
Enter the two known values.
Select units such as Hz, kHz, m, cm, or nm.
Review the SI result.
Compare with common wave references.
Use scientific notation for very large or small values.

Worked examples

Sound at concert A

Input: Frequency 440 Hz, speed 343 m/s

Calculation: lambda = 343 / 440

Result: About 0.78 m

Visible light

Input: Frequency 6 x 10^14 Hz, speed 3 x 10^8 m/s

Calculation: lambda = v / f

Result: About 500 nm

Transverse and longitudinal waves

Sound in air is longitudinal, while many electromagnetic wave examples are transverse. The same speed-frequency-wavelength relationship still applies.

Common wave references

Wave	Typical speed
Sound in air	343 m/s
Light in vacuum	3 x 10^8 m/s
Seismic P-wave	~6,000 m/s

Wave model limitation

Wave speed can depend on medium, temperature, material properties, and dispersion. Use measured or course-provided values for precise work.

Frequently asked questions

What does lambda mean?

Lambda is the wavelength, the distance between matching points on a wave.

What is frequency?

Frequency is cycles per second, measured in hertz.

Does sound always travel at 343 m/s?

No. That is an approximate value for air near room temperature.

Can wavelength be very small?

Yes. Visible light wavelengths are hundreds of nanometres.

Is wave speed always constant?

No. It depends on the medium and wave type.

Related calculators

speed-calculator
frequency-converter
scientific-notation-calculator

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