Your vocal range is the span from the lowest note you can sing to the highest. Choosing karaoke keys, choir parts and voice lessons all start here. This is how to measure it at home with just a microphone, and what to keep in mind when you read the result.
What is vocal range?
It's the span between the lowest and highest notes you can sing comfortably. Pitches are written as a note name plus an octave number. Middle C, right in the middle of the piano, is C4. A range of C3–G4 means your lowest note is the C an octave below middle C and your highest is the G a little above middle C.
How to measure with a mic
- Open the Vocal Range Test, press Start microphone and allow access.
- Warm up lightly, then hold the lowest note you can sing comfortably for 1–2 seconds. Don't force it; a bit lower than your speaking voice is about right.
- When the note on screen is steady, press Record this as my lowest note.
- Do the same with your highest comfortable note and record it. Stop before it strains your throat.
- Your range is shown as note names, with a comparison to traditional voice types for reference.
Getting more reliable results
- Measure in a quiet room. TV or air conditioner noise can be mistaken for your voice.
- Measure 2–3 times and use the range that shows up most often. Sleep, hydration and how your voice feels that day all matter.
- Decide whether to include falsetto (head voice). Chest voice only and chest-plus-falsetto give very different ranges.
- A built-in or external mic often gives steadier results than a headset or earbud mic.
Traditional voice types (reference only)
Classical singing groups voices into a few types. These are approximate ranges commonly used in voice training material. Real ranges vary a lot by person, training and age, so use this only to see which type you're closest to. (Reference only, checked October 4, 2026.)
| Voice type | Approximate range |
|---|---|
| Bass | E2 – E4 |
| Baritone | A2 – A4 |
| Tenor | C3 – C5 |
| Alto / Contralto | E3 – E5 |
| Mezzo-soprano | A3 – A5 |
| Soprano | C4 – C6 |
Many people fall between two types, and your speaking and singing voices can feel different. Don't let labels box you in; go by the notes you can actually sing comfortably.
Using your range to pick songs
If a song's highest note is 2–3 notes above your top note, it will probably feel like a strain. If its lowest note is well below your range, it will sound weak. To move a whole song into your range, transpose it in semitones with Change Pitch and Tempo.
Tools that go well with it
Check the notes you measured on the Online Piano, train your ear with Ear Training, or hear an exact reference note in the Online Tuner. For the bigger picture, see How to Use Online Practice Tools.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my vocal range?
Open the Vocal Range Test, turn on the mic, hold your lowest comfortable note and record it, then do the same with your highest note.
Why does my result change from day to day?
Sleep, hydration and how your voice feels that day affect it. Measure 2–3 times and use the range that shows up most often.
Should I include falsetto?
Decide beforehand. Chest voice only and chest plus falsetto give very different ranges.
Is the voice type result definitive?
No. Voice type ranges are approximate references. Many people fall between two types.
A song is too high for me. What can I do?
Lower its key in semitones with Change Pitch and Tempo.
Sources and date checked
Checked: October 4, 2026
- Wikipedia, Vocal range — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_range
- Wikipedia, Scientific pitch notation — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_pitch_notation
This article is general information. Devices and services can change over time.