What is 100 Hz?
100 Hz is a deep bass tone — close to G2 — often used in speaker cymatics demos because it moves water and sand strongly.
100 Hz is a classic test tone for subwoofers and a favorite for DIY cymatics: it is low enough to make a speaker cone move visibly, which shakes water, salt or sand into clear patterns.
You may also know it as hum. In countries with 50 Hz mains power, transformers and power supplies often buzz at 100 Hz, twice the mains frequency, because the magnetic forces peak twice per cycle.
| Nearest note (A4 = 440 Hz) | G2 (98 Hz), +35 cents |
|---|---|
| Wavelength in air | 343 cm |
| Period | 10 ms per cycle |
| Simulator Chladni mode | (1, 1) |
What the 100 Hz pattern looks like
On a plate, 100 Hz still gives large, bold regions. Grid mode shows the low-order standing wave as a coarse lattice.
The simulator above is already set to 100 Hz. Press Play in the Slider tab to hear the tone, switch pattern modes to compare shapes, and use Record video or Export PNG to keep the result. The address bar always holds a link to exactly what you see, so you can share it.
100 Hz FAQ
What note is 100 Hz?
100 Hz is between G2 (98 Hz) and G♯2 (103.8 Hz), about 35 cents above G2.
Why is 100 Hz good for water cymatics?
Low frequencies make a speaker cone move a long distance, so the vibration transfers strongly into water and produces large, easy-to-see ripples.