Frequency Conversion Chart: Hz, kHz, MHz and GHz
This chart keeps the four common frequency units in one place. Each row is a single frequency written four ways, so you can copy the column that matches the convention of the datasheet, standard or instrument you are working with.
2 min readPublished September 2, 2026Updated September 10, 2026
How to read the chart
Every column holds the same frequency. Moving one column to the right divides by 1,000; moving one column to the left multiplies by 1,000. Because each step is a power of ten, no value in the chart is rounded.
- Find the row closest to your value, then read across to the unit you need.
- Copy the digits exactly as printed — the only difference between columns is the decimal point.
- When a value falls between two rows, multiply or divide by 1,000 rather than interpolating.
One frequency in every unit
| Frequency | Hz | kHz | MHz | GHz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kHz | 1,000 | 1 | 0.001 | 0.000001 |
| 1 MHz | 1,000,000 | 1,000 | 1 | 0.001 |
| 100 MHz (FM station) | 100,000,000 | 100,000 | 100 | 0.1 |
| 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi) | 2,400,000,000 | 2,400,000 | 2,400 | 2.4 |
| 5 GHz (Wi-Fi, CPU clock) | 5,000,000,000 | 5,000,000 | 5,000 | 5 |
Frequency bands at a glance
The unit a document uses usually follows the band it describes. This table shows the convention that has become standard in each case.
| Service | Typical frequency | Usual unit |
|---|---|---|
| Human hearing | 20 – 20,000 | Hz |
| AM broadcast | 530 – 1,700 | kHz |
| Shortwave broadcast | 3,000 – 30,000 | kHz |
| FM broadcast | 87.5 – 108 | MHz |
| Aircraft communication | 118 – 137 | MHz |
| Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz | 2,400 – 2,500 | MHz |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz and 5G | 5,150 – 5,850 | MHz |
| Radar and 60 GHz links | 24,000 – 60,000 | MHz or GHz |
Using the chart in practice
- Comparing two datasheets: convert both to the same unit before you compare, then convert the result back for your report.
- Checking a budget link: receiver sensitivity in MHz and channel spacing in kHz are easy to mix up when both appear on one page.
- Sanity-checking a converter: the chart gives an independent value, so a misplaced zero is visible immediately.
- Writing documentation: use the unit of the audience. Audio engineers expect Hz, radio engineers expect MHz or GHz.
Quick answer
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert kHz to MHz?
Divide the kilohertz value by 1,000: 2,400 kHz is 2.4 MHz, and 100 kHz is 0.1 MHz.
Why does the chart show the same frequency four times?
Because each column is the same measurement written with a different prefix. The digits stay the same; only the decimal point moves.
Which unit should documentation use?
Match the source. If a standard or instrument states a unit, keep it, and convert only when you need to combine values from different documents.