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Kilohertz (kHz) - Unit Information & Conversion

Symbol:kHz
Plural:kilohertz
Category:Frequency

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What is a Kilohertz?

Kilohertz (kHz) is a frequency unit equal to 1,000 hertz (1,000 cycles per second). Commonly used for AM radio broadcasts (530-1700 kHz), audio frequencies, ultrasound, and mid-range electronic signals.

History of the Kilohertz

The prefix "kilo" from Greek khilioi (thousand) combined with hertz. Became standard with the adoption of the SI metric system for frequency measurements, replacing "kilocycles per second" (kc/s).

Quick Answer

What is a Kilohertz? A kilohertz (kHz) equals 1,000 hertz or 1,000 cycles per second. It's used for AM radio broadcasting (530-1700 kHz), audio frequencies (human hearing extends to 20 kHz), and ultrasonic applications. 1 kHz = 1,000 Hz. Use our frequency converter for instant conversions.

Definition

1 kHz = 1,000 Hz = 1,000 cycles/second = 0.001 MHz

Common Uses

AM Radio: Broadcasts at 530-1700 kHz (medium wave band in Americas). Audio: Upper audio range (treble frequencies 4-20 kHz), high-fidelity music. Ultrasound: Medical imaging and industrial testing (20-100+ kHz). Timing: Watch crystals at 32.768 kHz for digital timekeeping.

Real-World Examples

AM Radio Broadcasting

  • US AM Radio: 530-1710 kHz (535-1605 kHz main band)
  • International AM: 531-1602 kHz (9 kHz spacing)
  • Example stations:
    • 660 kHz (WFAN New York)
    • 1010 kHz (WINS New York)
    • 1540 kHz (typical regional station)

Audio Frequencies

  • Upper treble: 8-20 kHz (cymbals, harmonics)
  • Human hearing limit: 20 kHz (younger adults)
  • CD audio quality: Up to 22.05 kHz (Nyquist frequency)
  • High-res audio: Up to 48 kHz or 96 kHz sampling
  • Musical instruments:
    • Flute harmonics: up to 8-10 kHz
    • Cymbal shimmer: 6-15 kHz
    • Violin harmonics: up to 10-12 kHz

Ultrasound Applications

  • Medical ultrasound: 2-18 MHz (not kHz, but uses kHz transducers)
  • Dog whistles: 16-22 kHz (inaudible to most humans)
  • Bat echolocation: 20-120 kHz
  • Ultrasonic cleaning: 20-40 kHz (jewelry, dental equipment)
  • Ultrasonic welding: 15-70 kHz (plastic joining)

Electronic Timing

  • 32.768 kHz crystal: Standard for digital watches and RTCs (2^15 Hz)
  • PWM frequencies: 1-100 kHz for motor control
  • Switching power supplies: 20-500 kHz operation
  • RFID low frequency: 125-134 kHz (access cards)

Kilohertz Conversion Formulas

To Hertz:

1 kHz = 1000 Hz
Example: 5 kilohertz = 5000 hertz

To Millihertz:

1 kHz = 1000000 mHz
Example: 5 kilohertz = 5000000 millihertz

To Megahertz:

1 kHz = 0.001 MHz
Example: 5 kilohertz = 0.005 megahertz

To Gigahertz:

1 kHz = 0.000001 GHz
Example: 5 kilohertz = 0.000005 gigahertz

To Terahertz:

1 kHz = 1.0000e-9 THz
Example: 5 kilohertz = 5.0000e-9 terahertz

To Revolutions per Minute:

1 kHz = 60000 rpm
Example: 5 kilohertz = 300000 rpm

To Revolutions per Second:

1 kHz = 1000 rps
Example: 5 kilohertz = 5000 rps

To Beats per Minute:

1 kHz = 60000 bpm
Example: 5 kilohertz = 300000 bpm

To Cycles per Second:

1 kHz = 1000 cps
Example: 5 kilohertz = 5000 cps

To Radians per Second:

1 kHz = 6283.185307 rad/s
Example: 5 kilohertz = 31415.926536 rad/s

Frequently Asked Questions

Formula: Hz = kHz × 1,000 Examples:

  • 1 kHz = 1,000 Hz
  • 20 kHz = 20,000 Hz (upper hearing limit)
  • 1,000 kHz = 1,000,000 Hz = 1 MHz
  • 0.5 kHz = 500 Hz kHz to Hz converter →

Convert Kilohertz

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Kilohertz Quick Info

kHz
Symbol:kHz
Category:Frequency
System:Various
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