An interval describes the distance between two pitches. Musicians quantify this distance in semitones and name it using terms like minor third, perfect fifth, or major seventh. Recognizing intervals is key to songwriting, ear training, and analyzing harmonic progressions. This calculator quickly determines the number of semitones separating two notes so you can identify the interval and understand its sonic character.
The MIDI standard assigns each pitch a numeric value. Middle C is 60, C#4 is 61, and so on. Enter the MIDI numbers for your two notes in the fields above. If you only know the note names, consult a conversion chart or use a digital instrument that displays MIDI values. When you click the button, the calculator subtracts the smaller number from the larger to find the distance in semitones.
The calculation is simple:
2Here n₁ and n₂ are the MIDI numbers of the first and second notes, and D is the absolute difference, giving the number of semitones between them.
The distance in semitones corresponds to traditional interval names. For instance, 0 semitones represents a unison, 7 semitones a perfect fifth, and 12 semitones an octave. The table below lists the common intervals within one octave:
| Semitones | Interval |
|---|---|
| 0 | Unison |
| 1 | Minor Second |
| 2 | Major Second |
| 3 | Minor Third |
| 4 | Major Third |
| 5 | Perfect Fourth |
| 6 | Tritone |
| 7 | Perfect Fifth |
| 8 | Minor Sixth |
| 9 | Major Sixth |
| 10 | Minor Seventh |
| 11 | Major Seventh |
| 12 | Octave |
Intervals form the foundation of melody and harmony. Composers think in intervals when crafting memorable hooks, and improvisers rely on them to navigate scales and chords. Ear training exercises often involve recognizing intervals by sound to improve pitch memory. Understanding intervals also enhances sight reading, as you start to see musical lines as a series of distances rather than individual notes.
Certain intervals evoke specific emotions. Minor thirds can sound melancholy, while major thirds often feel uplifting. Perfect fifths create a sense of stability, and tritones introduce tension. By mapping out the intervals in a melody or chord progression, you can intentionally shape the mood of your music. This calculator helps you verify those distances so your compositions convey exactly what you intend.
Intervals extend beyond a single octave. For example, a major ninth spans 14 semitones. Musicians describe these larger intervals as compounds of an octave plus a smaller interval. When analyzing jazz chords or orchestral scores, you may encounter compound intervals frequently. By calculating the basic distance in semitones first, you can easily determine the proper compound name.
Developing a reliable sense of intervals takes practice. Many students use reference songs to remember the sound of each interval. For example, the first two notes of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” outline an octave, while “Here Comes the Bride” begins with a perfect fourth. Play or sing intervals repeatedly, using this calculator to confirm the spacing between notes you hear. Over time, you’ll identify them instinctively.
The study of intervals dates back to ancient Greece, where mathematicians such as Pythagoras explored the ratios of string lengths that produce pleasing sounds. These experiments led to the development of the diatonic scale and eventually the equal-tempered tuning system used in most modern music. Knowing a bit of this history adds context to the interval names and explains why certain ratios feel harmonious.
One frequent error is confusing intervals that share the same number of semitones but have different names depending on the starting note. For example, a distance of one semitone could be a minor second or an augmented unison. Similarly, a six-semitone span might be a diminished fifth rather than a tritone in certain harmonic contexts. Always consider both the semitone count and the scale degree relationship to assign the correct name.
By recognizing intervals quickly, you can analyze songs more effectively, transcribe solos, and compose with confidence. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, reinforcing interval knowledge broadens your musical vocabulary. Try playing random note pairs on an instrument, then use this calculator to check your guesses. Consistent practice improves your relative pitch and deepens your understanding of harmony.
This tool is designed for quick reference during practice sessions, songwriting, or music theory study. Enter any two MIDI note numbers, calculate the distance, and match it to the table of interval names. Soon you will internalize these relationships and recognize them by ear. The more you explore intervals, the more nuanced and expressive your music will become.
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