AC foundations
Period from frequency
- where
- period (s)
- frequency (Hz)
Explain this equation
Works out the time for one cycle from the frequency. Useful for timing and for setting a scope timebase.
T is the period in seconds: the time for one complete cycle. f is the frequency in hertz.
Frequency is cycles per second, so the time for one cycle is one divided by frequency.
Sense check: 50 Hz gives 0.02 s, or 20 ms per cycle, with each half cycle 10 ms. 60 Hz gives about 16.7 ms.
Watch out: do not mix up half-cycle time with the full period.
Higher frequency means less time per cycle. Divide one by the frequency to obtain seconds.
Multiply seconds by 1,000 for milliseconds. At 50 Hz a full cycle is 20 ms and a half-cycle is 10 ms.
Enter your values to see the result.
Common mistake
Confusing half-cycle time with period.
Limits
Periodic waveform and positive frequency.
Sources
The tools calculate the displayed equation. They do not automatically choose cable sizes, approve installations, supply current regulatory tables, certify equipment or replace inspection and testing.