Voice types and vocal ranges
Six voice types cover almost every singer, from bass to soprano. Here are their typical ranges, in notes and hertz, and where each one shifts.
C4 = middle CA4 = 440 Hz
| Voice type | Typical range | Frequency | Passaggio (lower · upper) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | E2–E4 | 82–330 Hz | G3–A3 · C4–D4 |
| Baritone | A2–A4 | 110–440 Hz | B♭3–B3 · E♭4–E4 |
| Tenor | C3–C5 | 131–523 Hz | D4–E4 · F♯4–A4 |
| Alto | F3–F5 | 175–698 Hz | F4–G4 · C♯5–D5 |
| Mezzo-soprano | A3–A5 | 220–880 Hz | E4–F4 · E5–F5 |
| Soprano | C4–C6 | 262–1047 Hz | E♭4–E4 · F5–F♯5 |
How voice type is decided
Range is the first clue: Rangely compares the middle of your measured range with the middle of each typical range and names the closest. Neighbouring types share most of their notes, so two more things decide close cases: where your voice shifts (the passaggio), and its color, darker or brighter. A baritone and a tenor can sing almost the same notes; the tenor shifts two or three semitones higher.
Untrained singers usually have one and a half to two octaves they can use comfortably. That is normal, and it grows with practice.
Read about your type
Common questions
What are the six voice types?
From lowest to highest: bass, baritone and tenor (usually male voices), and alto, mezzo-soprano and soprano (usually female voices). Each covers about two octaves, and neighbouring types overlap by most of their range.
How do I know my voice type?
Measure your lowest and highest comfortable notes, then compare the middle of your range with the typical ranges. Where your voice shifts (the passaggio) and its color help decide between two neighbouring types.
What is the most common voice type?
Baritone for men and mezzo-soprano for women.
Can my voice type change?
Your usable range grows a few semitones with practice and changes with age, but the basic type rarely moves more than one step.
What's your voice type?
Free, about a minute, your voice stays in your browser.