Enter the speed of light and frequency into the calculator to determine the length of the resonator. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

1/4 Wave Resonator Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the length of a 1/4 wave resonator.

L = c / (4 * f)

Variables:

  • L is the length of the resonator (meters)
  • c is the speed of light (approximately 299,792,458 meters per second)
  • f is the frequency of the wave (Hertz)

To calculate the length of a 1/4 wave resonator, divide the speed of light by four times the frequency of the wave.

What is a 1/4 Wave Resonator?

A 1/4 wave resonator is a type of resonator that uses the principle of resonance at a frequency that is one quarter of the wavelength of the wave. It is commonly used in acoustics and radio frequency applications. The resonator is designed in such a way that it allows certain frequencies to pass while reflecting others, thus acting as a filter. This is achieved by creating a standing wave within the resonator, where the wave’s amplitude is maximized at specific points, allowing for the selective amplification or attenuation of certain frequencies.

How to Calculate 1/4 Wave Resonator?

The following steps outline how to calculate the length of a 1/4 Wave Resonator.


  1. First, determine the speed of light (c) in meters per second. The speed of light is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.
  2. Next, determine the frequency of the wave (f) in Hertz.
  3. Next, use the formula L = c / (4 * f) to calculate the length of the resonator (L) in meters.
  4. Finally, calculate the length of the 1/4 Wave Resonator.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

speed of light (c) = 299,792,458 meters per second

frequency of the wave (f) = 10 Hertz