Standing Waves Calculator

Mode index n represents the number of half-wavelengths along each axis. A value of 2 calculates all modes with nx, ny, nz from 0 to 2.
n_x n_y n_z Frequency f [Hz]
Columns n_x, n_y, and n_z indicate the mode numbers (half-wavelength counts) along the x, y, and z axes, respectively.

Problematic Frequencies

Recommended Treatments

Note: If the lowest problematic frequency exceeds 100 Hz, this typically indicates a small room dimension where the first mode along an axis has half-wavelength too short (L < c/(2·100 Hz) ≈ 1.7 m). In such cases, consider additional mid-bass absorption and diffusion strategies.

Mode Number Explanation

Low mode numbers (e.g., n = 1, 2) correspond to low-frequency standing waves with long half-wavelengths. These modes often dominate room resonance and can cause noticeable bass build-up or nulls; acoustic treatment should focus first on controlling these.

High mode numbers (e.g., n ≥ 4) relate to higher-frequency modes where many resonances occur close together. A higher mode density smooths the overall response, making individual resonances less pronounced and the acoustic experience more uniform above the bass region.

In practice, analyze low-order modes to identify problem frequencies and ensure sufficient modal density at higher frequencies for a balanced acoustic response.

How the standing waves calculator works

Room length, width, height, and mode index limit generate axial, tangential, and oblique mode frequencies. Problematic clusters and treatment hints help identify bass and low-mid resonance issues.

Key terms

Frequently asked questions