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Megahertz (MHz) - Unit Information & Conversion

Symbol:MHz
Plural:megahertz
Category:Frequency

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What is a Megahertz?

Megahertz (MHz) is a frequency unit equal to 1,000,000 hertz or 1,000 kilohertz. Widely used for FM radio (88-108 MHz), computer bus speeds, RAM frequency, WiFi channels, and broadcast television.

History of the Megahertz

Prefix "mega" from Greek megas (great, large) combined with hertz. Became essential with development of radio and television broadcasting in the 20th century. Standard unit for MHz-range communications and computing.

Quick Answer

What is a Megahertz? A megahertz (MHz) equals 1,000,000 hertz or 1,000 kilohertz. It's used for FM radio (88-108 MHz), computer RAM speeds (DDR4: 2400-3200 MHz), WiFi (2400 MHz, 5000 MHz), older processor clocks, and television broadcasting. 1 MHz = 1,000 kHz = 1,000,000 Hz. Use our frequency converter for instant conversions.

Definition

1 MHz = 1,000,000 Hz = 1,000 kHz = 0.001 GHz

Common Uses

FM Radio: 88-108 MHz broadcasting band (FM stereo). Computer RAM: DDR4 2400-3200 MHz, DDR5 4800-6400 MHz memory frequencies. WiFi/Bluetooth: 2.4 GHz (2400 MHz), 5 GHz (5000 MHz) wireless bands. TV Broadcasting: VHF television 54-216 MHz, UHF 470-890 MHz.

Real-World Examples

Radio Broadcasting

  • FM Radio: 88-108 MHz (87.5-108 MHz in some countries)
    • 88.5 MHz: Typical NPR/PBS station
    • 95.5 MHz: Popular music frequency
    • 101.1 MHz: Common commercial frequency
    • 107.9 MHz: Upper end of FM band
  • Aviation Radio: 118-137 MHz (air traffic control)
  • Marine VHF: 156-174 MHz (ship-to-shore communication)
  • Weather Radio: 162.400-162.550 MHz (NOAA Weather Radio)

Television Broadcasting

  • VHF Low (Channels 2-6): 54-88 MHz
  • VHF High (Channels 7-13): 174-216 MHz
  • UHF (Channels 14-83): 470-890 MHz
  • Digital TV: Same bands, digital modulation

Computer Memory (RAM)

  • DDR3: 800-2133 MHz
  • DDR4: 2133-3200 MHz (mainstream), up to 5100 MHz (enthusiast)
  • DDR5: 4800-6400 MHz (mainstream), up to 8400 MHz (high-end)
  • GDDR6 (Graphics): 12,000-16,000 MHz effective

Wireless Communication

  • 2.4 GHz WiFi: 2412-2484 MHz (channels 1-14)
  • 5 GHz WiFi: 5150-5850 MHz (multiple bands)
  • Bluetooth: 2400-2483.5 MHz
  • Cordless phones: 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz
  • Cellular bands: Various (e.g., 850 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz)

Older Computing

  • 486 CPU: 25-100 MHz (early 1990s)
  • Pentium: 60-300 MHz (mid 1990s)
  • Pentium III: 450-1400 MHz (late 1990s-early 2000s)
  • Modern CPUs: 3000-5000 MHz (3-5 GHz)

Megahertz Conversion Formulas

To Hertz:

1 MHz = 1000000 Hz
Example: 5 megahertz = 5000000 hertz

To Millihertz:

1 MHz = 1000000000 mHz
Example: 5 megahertz = 5000000000 millihertz

To Kilohertz:

1 MHz = 1000 kHz
Example: 5 megahertz = 5000 kilohertz

To Gigahertz:

1 MHz = 0.001 GHz
Example: 5 megahertz = 0.005 gigahertz

To Terahertz:

1 MHz = 0.000001 THz
Example: 5 megahertz = 0.000005 terahertz

To Revolutions per Minute:

1 MHz = 60000000 rpm
Example: 5 megahertz = 300000000 rpm

To Revolutions per Second:

1 MHz = 1000000 rps
Example: 5 megahertz = 5000000 rps

To Beats per Minute:

1 MHz = 60000000 bpm
Example: 5 megahertz = 300000000 bpm

To Cycles per Second:

1 MHz = 1000000 cps
Example: 5 megahertz = 5000000 cps

To Radians per Second:

1 MHz = 6283185.30718 rad/s
Example: 5 megahertz = 31415926.535898 rad/s

Frequently Asked Questions

Formula: GHz = MHz ÷ 1,000 Examples:

  • 1,000 MHz = 1 GHz
  • 2,400 MHz = 2.4 GHz (WiFi)
  • 3,500 MHz = 3.5 GHz (CPU)
  • 5,000 MHz = 5 GHz (WiFi 5 GHz band) MHz to GHz converter →

Convert Megahertz

Need to convert Megahertz to other frequency units? Use our conversion tool.

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Megahertz Quick Info

MHz
Symbol:MHz
Category:Frequency
System:Various
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