Drum Tuning Chart — Frequency Reference for Every Drum Size

Quick Answer

This chart lists fundamental, batter, and resonant head Hz for all 13 calculator sizes across Low, Medium, and High tuning characters. Print it or use the live calculator for an interactive version.

A quick-reference chart showing fundamental, batter head, and resonant head target frequencies for every drum size in the calculator — across Low, Medium, and High tuning characters. Use it as a starting point when setting up a kit, or keep it on your gear bag for fast reference at rehearsal or on a gig.

Kick Drum Tuning Chart

Batter = fundamental × 1.35 · Front head = fundamental × 1.45

Size	Low			Medium			High
	Fund.	Batter	Front	Fund.	Batter	Front	Fund.	Batter	Front
18″	60	81	87	70	95	102	80	108	116
20″	55	74	80	65	88	94	75	101	109
22″	50	68	73	60	81	87	70	95	102
24″	45	61	65	55	74	80	65	88	94

All values in Hz

Snare Drum Tuning Chart

Batter = fundamental × 1.45 · Snare-side = batter × 1.28 (max 400 Hz)

Size	Low			Medium			High
	Fund.	Batter	Res.	Fund.	Batter	Res.	Fund.	Batter	Res.
13″	190	276	353	210	305	390	235	341	400
14″	175	254	325	200	290	371	225	326	400

All values in Hz

Rack Tom Tuning Chart

Batter = fundamental × 1.60 · Resonant = fundamental × 1.85

Size	Low			Medium			High
	Fund.	Batter	Res.	Fund.	Batter	Res.	Fund.	Batter	Res.
8″	145	232	268	165	264	305	190	304	352
10″	120	192	222	140	224	259	165	264	305
12″	95	152	176	115	184	213	140	224	259
13″	85	136	157	105	168	194	125	200	231

All values in Hz

Floor Tom Tuning Chart

Batter = fundamental × 1.60 · Resonant = fundamental × 1.75

Size	Low			Medium			High
	Fund.	Batter	Res.	Fund.	Batter	Res.	Fund.	Batter	Res.
14″	80	128	140	95	152	166	115	184	201
16″	65	104	114	80	128	140	100	160	175
18″	55	88	96	70	112	123	85	136	149

All values in Hz

How to Use This Chart

Find your drum size in the left column of the relevant table.
Choose your tuning character — Low for deep and warm, Medium for versatile, High for bright.
Read the three target frequencies: Fundamental (overall pitch goal), Batter (top head), and Resonant or Front (bottom head).
Start with the batter head. Use a drum tuner app or dedicated tuner device to reach the batter head target.
Tune the resonant head to its target, then fine-tune both by ear in the context of the full kit.

Live Calculator

For an interactive version — pick your exact drum sizes and see all frequencies updated instantly for every drum in your kit.

Open the drum tuning calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drum tuning chart?

A drum tuning chart is a reference showing recommended tuning frequencies (in Hz) for different drum sizes across different tuning characters (Low, Medium, High). Use it as a starting point before fine-tuning by ear, or as a quick reference when setting up a kit you haven't played before.

How do I read a drum tuning frequency chart?

Find your drum size in the left column, then choose your desired tuning character — Low for warm and deep, Medium for versatile, High for bright and open. Read the three suggested frequencies: Fundamental (the target pitch of the drum overall), Batter (the top head target), and Resonant (the bottom head target).

Can I print this drum tuning chart?

Yes — click the Print button at the top of the page to print a clean version without navigation. The chart is formatted for A4 and US Letter paper sizes.

What are typical drum tuning frequencies?

Kick drums: 45–80 Hz fundamental (18–24 inch sizes). Snare drums: 175–235 Hz fundamental (13–14 inch sizes). Rack toms: 85–190 Hz fundamental (8–13 inch sizes). Floor toms: 55–115 Hz fundamental (14–18 inch sizes). These ranges cover Low through High tuning characters for each drum type.

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Last updated: 5 August 2026