Doppler Effect Calculator

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Calculates the change in frequency of a wave (sound or light) due to relative motion between the source and observer.

How To Use

How to use this calculator

Start with your values, or try a preset.

Step 1

Enter Source Frequency (Hz), Speed of Sound (m/s), Observer Velocity (m/s, positive towards source), and Source Velocity (m/s, positive away from observer) in the units shown.

Step 2

Read Observed Frequency (Hz) in the results panel. Results update as you change the inputs.

Step 3

Choose a preset to load an example, then adjust the values for your situation.

Worked Examples

Example calculations

See the inputs and their calculated results.

Stationary Source and Observer

Source Frequency (Hz): 440; Speed of Sound (m/s): 343; Observer Velocity (m/s, positive towards source): 0; Source Velocity (m/s, positive away from observer): 0

Observed Frequency (Hz): 440 Hz

Observer Moving Towards Source

Source Frequency (Hz): 440; Speed of Sound (m/s): 343; Observer Velocity (m/s, positive towards source): 20; Source Velocity (m/s, positive away from observer): 0

Observed Frequency (Hz): 465.6559767 Hz

Source Moving Away from Observer

Source Frequency (Hz): 440; Speed of Sound (m/s): 343; Observer Velocity (m/s, positive towards source): 0; Source Velocity (m/s, positive away from observer): 20

Observed Frequency (Hz): 467.244582 Hz

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