Wavelength Calculator
Solve v = f x lambda for wavelength, frequency, or wave speed. Includes photon energy (J and eV) and EM band classification.
Wavelength and Frequency Reference
| Wave | Wavelength | Frequency | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visible red light | 700 nm | 428.27 THz | Vacuum |
| Visible blue light | 450 nm | 666.21 THz | Vacuum |
| Sound at 1 kHz | 343 mm | 1 kHz | Air at 20 °C |
| Microwave | 100 mm | 3 GHz | Vacuum |
| FM radio | 3 m | 100 MHz | Vacuum |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wavelength Calculator
What is the wavelength formula?
v = f x lambda, where v is wave speed, f is frequency in hertz, and lambda is wavelength. For light in vacuum, v = c = 2.998 x 10^8 m/s. For sound in air at 20 C, v is about 343 m/s. Solve for any of the three given the other two.
What is the wavelength of visible light?
Visible light spans roughly 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red). Green light at 550 nm has a frequency of c / lambda = 2.998 x 10^8 / 5.50 x 10^-7 = 5.45 x 10^14 Hz, or 545 THz.
How do I calculate photon energy from wavelength?
E = h x c / lambda, where h is Planck's constant (6.626 x 10^-34 J s). For 550 nm green light: E = 6.626e-34 x 2.998e8 / 5.50e-7 = 3.61 x 10^-19 J, or 2.25 eV. The calculator does this automatically for any EM wave.
What EM band does my wavelength fall in?
This calculator classifies wavelengths above 1 m as radio, 1 mm to 1 m as microwave, 750 nm to 1 mm as infrared, 400 to 750 nm as visible light, 10 to 400 nm as ultraviolet, and shorter wavelengths as X-ray or gamma ray. Band boundaries vary by convention, so use a field-specific standard when one applies.
Does wavelength change between media?
Yes. When light enters glass (n = 1.5), its speed drops to c / n and the wavelength drops by the same factor, but frequency stays the same. The calculator assumes vacuum/air by default. Override v if you are working inside a denser medium.
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