Calculate wave speed from frequency and wavelength using v = f × λ — or solve for frequency or wavelength. Works for sound, light and any wave, without needing distance or time.
Every wave obeys v = f λ: its speed equals its frequency (cycles per second, Hz) times its wavelength (the length of one cycle, m). This lets you find the speed without measuring distance and time directly.
The relationship applies to all waves — sound (~340 m/s in air), water waves and electromagnetic waves (light, at c = 3×10⁸ m/s). For a fixed wave speed, higher frequency means shorter wavelength, and vice versa.
Use v = f λ — multiply the frequency (Hz) by the wavelength (m). You don't need distance or time; frequency and wavelength alone give the speed.
v = f λ. Rearranged, frequency f = v/λ and wavelength λ = v/f. Set 'Solve for' to whichever quantity you need.
Light travels at c = 3×10⁸ m/s in a vacuum. Sound travels far slower — about 340 m/s in air at room temperature and faster in water and solids.
At constant wave speed, doubling the frequency halves the wavelength, because their product v = fλ must stay the same.