A vocal range chart maps typical low and high notes for each voice type on the same pitch axis. It is a starting map—not a label you must fit into, and not a substitute for how your voice feels when you sing real songs.
What is a vocal range chart?
Each colored bar shows an approximate comfortable span for a voice type (for example Tenor C3–C5), written in pitch names from E2 (low) to C6 (high). Charts help with choir placement, repertoire browsing, and comparing your own test results to common references.
A useful chart shows:
- Voice types from Bass through Soprano (and SATB choir parts)
- Low and high note names for each type
- Overlap between categories—because real voices do not sit in non-overlapping boxes
At a glance: Soprano (C4 – C6), Alto (F3 – F5), Tenor (C3 – C5), Bass (E2 – E4), with Mezzo-Soprano and Baritone between. Your tessitura—where you sing most easily—matters more than one peak note.
What a chart does not show
Charts list range, not tessitura, tone color, fatigue, or vocal health. Two singers with the same numbers can need different songs. For comfort zone vs. extremes, see tessitura and comfortable range.
Interactive vocal range chart
Read the axis left (low) to right (high). Each bar lists its note span in the center. Overlap is intentional—use it to see where your test results sit, not to force a single category.
How to read this chart
- Horizontal axis (bottom): pitch from low (E2, left) to high (C6, right).
- Colored bar: where that voice type usually sings comfortably, not every note you might ever hit.
- Overlap is normal: bars cross because voice types share notes; your tessitura matters more than one extreme note.
- Range on the bar: lowest and highest note (e.g. C3 C5) at the center of each colored bar.
Male voice types
Approximate comfortable ranges on the same E2-C6 axis
Pitch (low to high)
E2C3C4C5C6Female voice types
Ranges overlap with male types in the middle register (expected)
Pitch (low to high)
E2C3C4C5C6SATB choir (four-part) reference
Same layout as above; SATB maps to Soprano / Alto / Tenor / Bass
Pitch (low to high)
E2C3C4C5C6Ranges align with common voice-type references and our vocal range test. Values are typical for trained singers; your comfortable range may differ.
How to use this chart with your own voice
- Run the SingMeter Vocal Range Test and note your lowest and highest comfortable notes.
- Find those notes on the chart and see which bars they overlap.
- Notice where most of your practice songs feel easiest—that is likely your tessitura.
- Optional: hear any note on the Tone Generator and check pitch with the Pitch Detector.
- For range and voice type together, continue with how to find your voice type.
Common mistakes when reading a chart
- Using only the highest note as your voice type
- Forcing your voice to fit the tightest box on the page
- Comparing your range to studio recordings or celebrity extremes
- Ignoring fatigue—chart extremes are not where you should live in rehearsal
- Treating ranges as fixed (they can shift with training and health)
SATB choir reference
Four-part music uses Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass. Directors usually assign by tessitura and blend, not by a singer's single highest note. The SATB block in the chart above shows typical section spans.
Famous singers (approximate ranges)
Public analyses vary; treat these as rough references, not goals to force.
Male singers (examples)
- Freddie Mercury — roughly F2–F6
- Johnny Cash — roughly E2–B4
- Bruno Mars — roughly A2–D6
Female singers (examples)
- Whitney Houston — roughly A2–C6
- Ariana Grande — roughly D3–E7
- Adele — roughly C3–F5
Ask whether you share a similar home area, not whether you match their highest note. Then overlay your own test on the chart above.
FAQ
What is a vocal range chart used for?
To compare typical note spans for voice types and choir parts when exploring repertoire or placement.
Are vocal range charts accurate?
They are accurate as references. Your personal comfort and tessitura refine how you apply them.
Can my range change over time?
Yes—training, health, and age can shift your usable range. Retest periodically with a vocal range test.
Does my highest note define my voice type?
No. Sustainable comfort and where you sing most often matter more.
Why do charts differ between websites?
Some list extreme limits; others list comfortable ranges. SingMeter's chart aims at practical, singable spans.
Is tessitura more important than total range?
For everyday singing and long-term comfort, usually yes.
The most useful step is to overlay your own range on this chart, not memorize labels.
Take the free Vocal Range Test