C to C, one octave up
Starting note C (0), ending note C (0), octave difference 1.
0 − 0 + 12 × 1 = 12 semitones.
Semitone Calculator
Music0.0(0)
Calculates the number of semitones between two musical notes.
Calculate the signed distance between two notes in semitones. The formula is ending note − starting note + 12 × octave difference, with C = 0 through B = 11. A positive result moves up in pitch; a negative result moves down.
How To Use
How to use this calculator
Start with your values, or try a preset.
Step 1
Choose the starting note and ending note.
Step 2
Enter ending octave minus starting octave. Use 0 when both notes are in the same octave.
Step 3
Read the signed number of semitones. Each octave contributes 12 semitones.
Worked Examples
Example calculations
See the inputs and their calculated results.
A to C in the next octave
Starting note A (9), ending note C (0), octave difference 1.
0 − 9 + 12 × 1 = 3 semitones.
G down to C in the same octave
Starting note G (7), ending note C (0), octave difference 0.
0 − 7 + 12 × 0 = −7 semitones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions
A little more context for your results.
Why can the result be negative?
The distance is signed: a negative number means the ending note is lower than the starting note. Use the absolute value if you only need the size of the interval.
Do C sharp and D flat give different results?
No. They share the same note value in this calculator, so either spelling gives the same semitone distance.
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