Interval Name From Semitones Lookup
Common equal-tempered simple interval names by semitone count; enharmonic spellings and compound intervals excluded.
Description
Look up a conventional interval name for zero through 12 semitones.
A semitone count gives a chromatic interval size, but not a unique diatonic spelling. This lookup returns one conventional name for each supported count within an octave.
When to use this tool
Look up a conventional interval name for zero through 12 semitones. Use it when the input measurements and conventions below match the operation you need.
- Prepare semitones, respecting the measurement basis and boundaries below.
- Compare the worked example with your intended operation before reusing its result.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter every field in the input table using the stated units and exact supported selector spelling where applicable.
- Run the tool. Correct input errors before interpreting an output.
- Read the result fields below; use accompanying flags and the stated sign, boundary or model convention when interpreting a number.
Select an exact semitone-count string from zero through 12. The stored mapping runs from unison to octave and uses tritone for six semitones.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| semitones | Semitones. | Exact value: "0", "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", "10", "11", "12" |
| semitones | Built-in entry |
|---|---|
| "0" | unison |
| "1" | minor second |
| "2" | major second |
| "3" | minor third |
| "4" | major third |
| "5" | perfect fourth |
| "6" | tritone |
| "7" | perfect fifth |
| "8" | minor sixth |
| "9" | major sixth |
| "10" | minor seventh |
| "11" | major seventh |
| "12" | octave |
| Output field | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| result | Object containing the following named result fields. |
| result.reference | The stored entry for the exact selected key; its type may be text, a number or a list. |
{
"input": {
"semitones": "7"
},
"output": {
"result": {
"reference": "perfect fifth"
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Enharmonic spelling and musical context are not considered. Compound intervals outside the table, tuning deviations and interval quality derived from note letters are not calculated.
- Every declared field is required and unexpected fields are rejected. Numeric inputs must be finite; input errors are distinct from a valid false result or an explicitly qualified output.
- Extremely large inputs and nonfinite or excessively large outputs are rejected. List positions reported by the tool use zero-based indices unless stated otherwise.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Check the intended score, tuning or device configuration before applying a numerical reference. Use notation-aware or audio measurement methods when the task requires interpretation of a score or actual sound. Compare the scope of the nearby tools below before substituting one.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- diminished augmented interval classifier
Interval number follows letter distance while interval quality follows semitone distance.
- equal temperament ratio from semitones
Frequency ratio for a signed number of equal-tempered semitones in 12-TET.