Cycles per Second to Hertz Converter

1 Hz
Hertz (Hz)

Understanding Cycles per Second and Hertz

What is a Cycle per Second?

A cycle per second (cps) measures the number of complete oscillations that occur in one second. This unit was historically used before the adoption of the hertz as the standard SI unit for frequency measurement.

What is a Hertz?

The hertz (Hz) is the derived SI unit for frequency. One hertz is defined as one cycle per second, making the conversion between these units a 1:1 ratio. The unit is named after Heinrich Hertz, who made significant contributions to electromagnetic theory.

Common Applications

Frequency measurements in hertz are used in many fields, including:

  • Audio frequencies (20 Hz - 20,000 Hz)
  • Radio frequencies (kHz to MHz range)
  • Computer processor speeds (measured in GHz)
  • Electrical power distribution (50 or 60 Hz)