Free online interval finder

An interval is the distance between two notes, measured in half steps and named by how it sounds — a major third, a perfect fifth, an octave. Pick a root and an interval and this tool shows both notes on the keyboard and plays them so you can hear the distance.

Here’s what an interval is, how to read the two notes, and how to start recognising intervals by ear.

How to use it

Pick a root note and an interval. The root and the note that interval above it light up on the keyboard, named, with the interval spelled out underneath. Press Play to hear them one after the other. Switch the flats toggle to read the notes with flats instead of sharps.

Why intervals matter

Chords and melodies are built from intervals, so the same shape sounds the same wherever you move it. Learn that a perfect fifth is seven half steps and you can find or build one from any note, which is the basis of chords, scales, and playing by ear.

Recognising intervals by ear

Many people anchor each interval to the start of a familiar tune: a perfect fourth opens “Here Comes the Bride”, a perfect fifth opens “Twinkle, Twinkle”, and an octave opens “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Play an interval here, hum the song, and the distance starts to stick.

FAQ

What is an interval in music? The distance between two pitches. It’s named by its size and quality, like a major third or a perfect fifth.

What’s the difference between a major and a minor interval? One half step. A minor third is three half steps; a major third is four. The smaller one sounds darker.

What is a perfect fifth? An interval of seven half steps — for example C up to G. It’s the most consonant interval after the octave, which is why it anchors so many chords.