A432 · beside A440 and C256
432 Hz tuning fork
Strike A432 and hold it to keep it ringing, then pick A440 beside it and strike again to hear the difference: about a third of a semitone.
How to use it
- Tap Strike A432, and hold it to keep it ringing. Pick A440 or C256 on the shelf and strike again to compare.
- Under More are the other forks, two forks rung together to hear them beat, and a frequency of your own.
432 Hz, honestly
A432 is a real tuning, 31.8 cents (about a third of a semitone) below A440, and some musicians like its slightly darker sound. Claims that it is more natural or better for your body have no good evidence behind them. If your group tunes there, use it; if not, A440.
Notes at A432 and at A440
Every note moves down by the same 31.8 cents. Middle C at A432 comes out at 256.87 Hz, close to the C256 fork but not the same.
| Note | At A440 | At A432 |
|---|---|---|
| C4 (middle C) | 261.63 | 256.87 |
| E4 | 329.63 | 323.63 |
| G4 | 392.00 | 384.87 |
| A4 | 440.00 | 432.00 |
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Questions
What is 432 Hz tuning?
A tuning where the A above middle C is 432 Hz instead of the standard 440. Every note sits about a third of a semitone lower.
Is 432 Hz better, or healing?
There is no good evidence that it is. It's a matter of taste: some people like its slightly darker sound. What matters for playing together is that everyone uses the same A.
What is the difference between 432 Hz and 440 Hz?
8 Hz on the A, which is 31.8 cents: about a third of a semitone. Strike both here, one after the other, to hear it.
How do I tune my instrument to 432 Hz?
Set your tuner's reference to 432 Hz (our tuner has it under More), or tune your A to this fork by ear and the other strings to it.
Is C256 the same as 432 Hz?
Close, but no. Middle C at A432 is 256.87 Hz, while C256 implies an A of about 430.5 Hz.
Can I use it for sound healing or a medical test?
No. It's a musical reference tone, not a medical device, and we make no health claims for any frequency.
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