Tuning Fork — C256 (Scientific Pitch)
256.00 Hz
Nearest note: C4, 38 cents below standard tuning
A tuning fork that sounds 256 Hz.
How well is this supported?
Measured directly, or defined by a published standard.
This entry gives a typical pitch for an instrument. Real instruments vary.
The button plays a plain tone. Start with the volume low.
About this number
A tuning fork that sounds 256 Hz. This is middle C in scientific pitch, where every C is a power of two: 256 is 2 to the power of 8. It is about 38 cents below middle C at A = 440 (261.63 Hz). A cent is a hundredth of a semitone, so that is a little over a third of the step between two neighboring piano keys. In Pythagorean tuning, 256 × 27/16 = 432 Hz. That link to A = 432 only holds in Pythagorean tuning: in equal temperament the same C gives A = 430.54 Hz. For the Weber and Rinne hearing tests, 512 Hz is the preferred fork; 256 Hz is also used. Also called "scientific pitch" or "philosopher's C."
History
Hearing tests (Weber and Rinne), where 512 Hz is the preferred fork and 256 Hz is also used. Pythagorean tuning reference
Facts
- Frequency
- 256.00 Hz
- Wavelength in air (20 °C)
- 1.34 m
- Nearest note
- C4, 38 cents below standard tuning
- Kind of statement
- Instrument
- Filed under
- Instruments & gongs
Sources
- British Society of Audiology — tuning fork tests
Which tuning forks are used for which clinical test.
British Society of Audiology, Recommended Procedure: Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests (2022).
More about the pitch
The same note in every octave
Each step doubles or halves the frequency. Tap one to hear it.
Entries close in pitch
Within 35 cents of this tone, in any octave. A cent is one hundredth of the step between two neighboring piano keys. Being close in pitch does not mean two things are connected.