The alto vocal range is about F3 to D5, which is 174.6 Hz to 587.3 Hz. The alto is the lowest common female voice, and the second line from the top in four-part choral music. 'Contralto' originally meant the same voice; today some people use contralto for a female voice that is even lower than a typical alto.
Yellow keys: the New Harvard Dictionary range. Bars: each source's range. The black dot marks middle C (C4).
Pure tones at the reference notes (F3 to D5). Start with your volume low.
Alto range in different sources
| Source | Range | Frequency | Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Harvard Dictionary of Music | F3 to D5 | 174.6 – 587.3 Hz | 21 semitones |
| Grove Music Online | G3 to E5 | 196.0 – 659.3 Hz | 21 semitones |
| Grove Music Online (contralto) | F3 to D5 | 174.6 – 587.3 Hz | 21 semitones |
| Lumen Learning music textbook | F3 to F5 | 174.6 – 698.5 Hz | 24 semitones |
There is no official standard for voice ranges; references differ by a few notes. New Harvard Dictionary of Music and Grove Music Online ranges as listed by Yale University Library (music cataloging); Lumen Learning, "Vocal Types and Ranges". Frequencies assume A4 = 440 Hz.
What is a alto?
The alto is the lowest common female voice, and the second line from the top in four-part choral music. 'Contralto' originally meant the same voice; today some people use contralto for a female voice that is even lower than a typical alto.
Alto or contralto?
In choirs, 'alto' is the name of a part: the line below the sopranos, sung by women with lower voices and sometimes by men singing falsetto (see countertenor). 'Contralto' is the classical name for the lowest female voice type. Grove Music Online gives the contralto range as F3 to D5, the same notes the New Harvard Dictionary gives for alto, which is why the two words are often used for the same voice.
A true contralto is usually described as having a dark, rich lower range. Many women who sing alto in a choir are mezzo-sopranos who are comfortable on the lower line.
Alto and the neighbouring voices
| Voice | Range | Notes shared with alto |
|---|---|---|
| Tenor | B2 to G4 | F3 to G4 (15 notes) |
| Mezzo-soprano | A3 to F5 | A3 to D5 (18 notes) |
Because neighbouring ranges overlap, range alone cannot settle your voice type. Where your voice sounds best and how it changes between low and high notes matter as much. A voice teacher can listen for those.
In a choir
Sings the alto (A) part, the second line from the top in SATB music, often in harmony below the tune. Choral music is usually written for four parts, labelled SATB: soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
See every voice type side by side on the vocal ranges chart, or take the full vocal range test.
Common questions
What is the difference between alto and contralto?
They originally meant the same voice. Today 'alto' usually names the choir part and 'contralto' the lowest classical female voice type. Grove gives contralto as F3 to D5.
What is the lowest note an alto can sing?
Reference ranges put the bottom of the alto voice at F3 (New Harvard Dictionary, Lumen Learning) or G3 (Grove). Contraltos and some altos sing a little lower.
Am I an alto or a soprano?
If notes above D5 feel strained but you are comfortable down to F3 or G3, alto is the closer match. The test above compares your range with the alto reference notes.
Last reviewed 14 November 2026 by Sri Murugan Systems. Found a mistake? Tell us.