How do I convert hertz to seconds?

Use the formula T = 1/f. First convert the frequency to hertz, then compute the period in seconds as 1 divided by the frequency. Finally convert seconds to your desired period unit. For example, 1 hertz = 1 second.

What is the relationship between frequency and period?

Period is the reciprocal of frequency: T = 1/f. This is an inverse relationship — doubling the frequency halves the period. A 1 Hz signal has a period of 1 second, while a 1 kHz signal has a period of 1 millisecond.

Why is this not a simple multiplication conversion?

Unlike unit conversions (e.g., meters to feet), frequency-to-period is a physical transformation using the inverse formula T = 1/f. The relationship is non-linear: 10× higher frequency means 10× shorter period, not a fixed scaling factor.

Is the conversion from hertz to seconds exact?

Yes, the formula T = 1/f is exact by definition. All SI frequency and time unit conversion factors are exact powers of 10, ensuring the result is mathematically precise.

Hertz to Seconds Converter

This page converts hertz to seconds using T = 1 / f.

Hertz to Second Converter

How to Convert Hertz to Seconds

Frequency and period are inversely related. The formula is: T = 1 / f, where T is the period and f is the frequency.

Conversion Steps

The formula is: Period = 1 / Frequency
For example, to convert 1 Hz to s:

Convert to hertz: 1 Hz = 1 Hz
Apply formula: T = 1 / 1 Hz = 1 seconds
Result: 1 s

Reverse Conversion

To convert seconds back to hertz, use f = 1 / T:

1 s → f = 1 / 1 s = 1 Hz → 1 Hz

Definition of Hertz

Hertz: The SI Unit of Frequency

The hertz (Hz) is the SI unit of frequency, defined as one cycle per second. Named after Heinrich Hertz, who proved the existence of electromagnetic waves in 1887. It is used universally in science and engineering to describe oscillation rates, clock speeds, and wave frequencies.

Definition

1 Hz = 1 cycle per second (exact)

Common equivalents

1 kHz = 1,000 Hz
1 MHz = 1,000,000 Hz
1 GHz = 1,000,000,000 Hz

Sources

BIPM — SI Brochure

Definition of Second

Second: The SI Unit of Time

The second (s) is the SI base unit of time, defined by the fixed numerical value of the caesium frequency (9,192,631,770 transitions). It is the fundamental time unit in physics and everyday life.

Definition

Duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of Cs-133 radiation (exact)