Acoustic Resonance Tube Calculator

Model standing waves in resonance tubes quickly today. Choose boundary type and end corrections easily. See harmonics, wavelengths, and compare with measured data results.

Calculator inputs

Enter tube dimensions, boundary type, and a sound-speed model. Then calculate harmonics and export the table for lab notes.

Physical tube length (before corrections).
Used for automatic end correction.
Changes harmonic pattern and the resonance formula.
Temperature model uses v ≈ 331.3 + 0.606T.
Typical lab range: 10 to 30 °C.
Use this if you measured sound speed.
Small correction; keep off for standard labs.
Adds to length to form the effective length.
Enter total added length for all ends.
Calculates the first N resonant frequencies.
Formula used

A resonance tube supports standing waves. The frequency depends on sound speed v and effective length Leff.

  • Open–Open tube: fn = n v / (2 Leff), where n = 1,2,3,...
  • Open–Closed tube: fn = (2n−1) v / (4 Leff), where n = 1,2,3,...
  • Wavelength: λ = v / f

Effective length includes an end correction: Leff = L + ΔL. A common approximation for an open end is ΔL ≈ 0.6r, with r = D/2.

How to use this calculator
  1. Enter the tube length and diameter using your lab units.
  2. Select the boundary condition: open–open or open–closed.
  3. Pick a sound-speed method: temperature or direct entry.
  4. Choose end correction: automatic, manual, or none.
  5. Set how many resonant modes you want to compute.
  6. Press Calculate to show results above the form.
  7. Use Download CSV or Download PDF for reports.
Example data table

Sample values for a quick check. Real experiments may vary.

Tube type L (m) D (m) T (°C) ΔL auto (m) f1 (Hz) f2 (Hz)
Open–Open 0.50 0.03 20 0.018 ~335 ~670
Open–Closed 0.50 0.03 20 0.009 ~170 ~509
Example uses automatic end correction. Frequencies are approximate.

Related Calculators

Launch angle solverAir resistance dragWind drift estimateCoriolis deflection estimateFlywheel energy storageSimple harmonic motionSpring mass frequencyForced vibration amplitudeResonance bandwidthQuality factor oscillator

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.