Cents
A logarithmic unit that divides each semitone into 100 equal parts, used for precise measurement of pitch intervals.
Category
pitch
Pronunciation
/sɛnts/
Origin
Latin (centum, hundred)
Length
162 words · 1 min read
About Cents
The cent system provides a way to describe intervals far smaller than a semitone, which is essential for tuning, intonation analysis, and comparing temperaments. One octave equals 1,200 cents; one equal-tempered semitone equals exactly 100 cents.
More pitch terms
Risonamento
View all pitchterms →A rarely used Italian term for the sustained resonance produced by sympathetic vibration between strings
TemperamentA tuning system that determines how the twelve pitches within an octave are spaced.
RegisterA particular range or portion of the pitch spectrum available to a voice or instrument.
IntervalThe distance in pitch between two notes.
FlatAn accidental that lowers the pitch of a note by one semitone.
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →