Convert revolutions per minute to hertz.
rpm to Hz — formula, reference values, and a live converter.
Convert revolutions per minute (rpm) to hertz (Hz). This is a fixed-ratio conversion — multiply the input by the factor below.
Formula
Hz = rpm × 0.0166667
Reference values
| rpm (revolutions per minute) | Hz (hertz) |
|---|---|
| 1 rpm | 0.016667 Hz |
| 5 rpm | 0.083333 Hz |
| 10 rpm | 0.16667 Hz |
| 100 rpm | 1.6667 Hz |
| 1000 rpm | 16.667 Hz |
| 10000 rpm | 166.67 Hz |
Things to watch for
- 1 Hz = 1 cycle per second. Standardized in 1930 (named after Heinrich Hertz).
- RPM (revolutions per minute) is widely used for motors and engines. 1 rpm = 1/60 Hz ≈ 0.01667 Hz.
- Radians per second (rad/s) is the angular frequency used in physics equations. ω = 2π × f.
What is a revolution per minute?
One rpm equals exactly 1/60 hertz — one full revolution per minute. Engine speeds, motor specifications, hard-drive spin rates, and machining spindles.
What is a hertz?
The hertz is the SI unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second. Mains electricity (50 Hz in Europe, 60 Hz in North America), audio (20 Hz to 20 kHz human hearing), and processor clock speeds.
Everyday reference points for rpm
To put the unit in perspective, here are a few real-world examples.
- 33 rpm — a vinyl LP record.
- 700 rpm — a car engine at idle.
- 7200 rpm — a standard hard drive.
How to convert revolution per minute to hertz
To convert a value from revolution per minute (rpm) to hertz (Hz), apply the conversion factor shown in the formula above. The calculation is the same whether you do it by hand, in a spreadsheet, or with the live converter on this page.
Steps:
- Take your input value in rpm.
- Apply the formula
Hz = rpm × 0.0166667. - The result is your value in Hz.
For repeated calculations, save the formula in a spreadsheet or use the live converter at the top of this page — it handles the math automatically and displays the result as you type.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert rpm to Hz?
Apply the formula rpm → Hz shown above, or just type your value into the converter at the top of this page. The result updates instantly.
Which is bigger, rpm or Hz?
This depends on the conversion ratio in the formula. If the factor multiplied by your value gives a larger number, then Hz is the smaller unit (so it takes more of them to express the same quantity). If the result is smaller, then Hz is the larger unit.
When would I use rpm versus Hz?
Both units measure frequency, so the choice depends on context. Revolution per minute is typically used for electronics, audio, and mechanical rotation; hertz similarly. Most professional fields standardize on one or the other based on regional conventions or technical tradition.
How precise is this rpm to Hz conversion?
The conversion factor shown is the internationally defined exact value (or the best-published approximation if the relationship is irrational, like degrees-to-radians). The live converter on this page uses double-precision floating-point math, accurate to about 15 significant digits — far beyond any practical engineering need.
Is the conversion ratio exact, or an approximation?
Most unit conversions between SI metric units, and between SI and US customary units, have been formally defined as exact values since the 1959 international yard-pound agreement and subsequent SI redefinitions. Exceptions are unit pairs that involve irrational numbers (radians, e.g.) or empirical conversions (like food calories, which depend on temperature). When in doubt, consult the formula at the top of this page.