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.