The six common voice types, from highest to lowest, are soprano (about C4–A5), mezzo-soprano (A3–F5), alto (F3–D5), tenor (B2–G4), baritone (G2–E4) and bass (E2–C4). Neighbouring ranges overlap, and an individual voice usually covers about one and a half to two octaves or more.
Ranges from the New Harvard Dictionary of Music. The black dot marks middle C (C4).
Vocal range chart
| Voice type | New Harvard Dictionary | Grove Music Online | Frequency | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | C4 to A5 | C4 to A5 | 262 – 880 Hz | |
| Mezzo-soprano | A3 to F5 | A3 to F♯5 | 220 – 698 Hz | |
| Alto | F3 to D5 | G3 to E5 | 175 – 587 Hz | |
| Tenor | B2 to G4 | C3 to A4 | 123 – 392 Hz | |
| Baritone | G2 to E4 | A2 to F4 | 98 – 330 Hz | |
| Bass | E2 to C4 | F2 to E4 | 82 – 262 Hz |
There is no official standard for voice ranges. Both sets are as listed by Yale University Library for music cataloging; Grove's tenor is given as "roughly" C3 to A4. Frequencies assume A4 = 440 Hz.
Types of singing voices
Classical singing usually divides women into soprano, mezzo-soprano and contralto, and men into countertenor, tenor, baritone and bass. Each type is defined by more than its range: the colour and weight of the voice, where it sounds strongest (its tessitura), and where it changes between registers.
- Soprano: the highest common voice.
- Mezzo-soprano: the middle female voice.
- Alto and contralto: the lowest female voice.
- Tenor: the highest common adult male voice.
- Baritone: the middle male voice.
- Bass: the lowest common voice.
A countertenor is a man who sings in the alto range, naturally or in falsetto. The references give it no separate range, so it uses the alto notes; see the countertenor range page.
Choir voice parts (SATB)
Most choral music is written in four parts, labelled SATB: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Mezzo-sopranos sing soprano or alto, and baritones sing tenor or bass, depending on the choir. Larger pieces split each part in two, for example first and second sopranos.
Find your own range
Take the free vocal range test: sing your lowest and highest notes, and it shows your range on a keyboard and the closest voice type.
Common questions
What are the six voice types?
Soprano, mezzo-soprano and alto (contralto) for women; tenor, baritone and bass for men. Classical singing also recognises the countertenor, a man singing in the alto or soprano range.
What is the most common vocal range?
We do not have a reliable source on how common each voice type is. Most individual voices cover about one and a half to two octaves or more.
What do SATB voice parts mean?
Soprano, alto, tenor and bass: the four parts most choral music is written in, from highest to lowest.
Last reviewed 14 November 2026 by Sri Murugan Systems. Found a mistake? Tell us.