A vocal range chart is one of the most useful tools for singers. It visually shows where every voice type sits across the musical scale, from the lowest bass notes to the highest soprano and whistle tones. Whether you’re a beginner testing your capabilities or an advanced vocalist refining technique, a well-structured chart helps you understand your strengths, your limitations, and your vocal identity.
This guide provides a complete vocal range chart, explains every voice type, breaks down octaves and registers, and shows you how to find your place on the chart confidently and safely.
What Is a Vocal Range Chart?
A vocal range chart maps out the lowest to highest notes typically sung within each vocal classification. It acts as a reference for:
- Understanding voice types
- Comparing male and female ranges
- Learning register transitions
- Visualizing how wide your range truly is
If you haven’t measured your range yet, the Vocal Range Test on vocalrangetest.com provides a fast and accurate starting point.
Standard SATB Vocal Range Chart (With Notes)
Below is the widely accepted SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) chart used in classical, contemporary, and choir settings.
| Voice Type | Typical Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Soprano | C4 – C6 | Highest female voice; bright, agile tone |
| Mezzo-Soprano | A3 – A5 | Middle female voice; warm and full |
| Contralto / Alto | F3 – F5 | Lowest female voice; rare, dark timbre |
| Tenor | C3 – C5 | High male voice; bright, powerful upper register |
| Baritone | A2 – A4 | Most common male type; rich, versatile |
| Bass | E2 – E4 | Deepest male voice; resonant and dark |
For deeper exploration, read more about Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass voice types in the guide Difference Between Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass.
Vocal Range Placement Across Octaves (C1–C8)
Here is a simplified octave map showing how each voice type aligns across the piano range:
C1 ───────────────────────────────────────────────
C2 ─────── Bass ──────────────────────────────────
C3 ───────────────── Baritone ───────────── Tenor ──────────────
C4 ───────── Contralto ────────── Mezzo ───────── Soprano ─────
C5 ───────────────────────────── Mezzo/Soprano ─────────────────
C6 ───────────────────────────── Soprano ───────────────────────
C7 ───────────────────────────── Whistle ───────────────────────
C8 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
This visual representation helps you compare your personal range with standard classifications.
Understanding Vocal Registers (Chest, Head, Falsetto, Whistle)
Vocal range is not just about notes—it’s also about registers. Most singers use:
- Chest voice for powerful low and mid notes
- Head voice for bright, resonant high notes
- Falsetto for light, airy tones
- Whistle register for extreme highs
For a clear explanation of transitions, explore Chest Voice vs Head Voice, which breaks down register mechanics and how they affect your usable range.
Male vs Female Vocal Range Charts
Female Voice Types
| Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Soprano | C4–C6 |
| Mezzo-Soprano | A3–A5 |
| Contralto | F3–F5 |
Male Voice Types
| Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Tenor | C3–C5 |
| Baritone | A2–A4 |
| Bass | E2–E4 |
You can also compare male and female ranges in detail using the What Are the Male Vocal Ranges? guide.
How to Find Your Vocal Range
Here is the correct, safe, and expert-approved method:
1. Identify Your Lowest Note
Start around your speaking range and slide downward slowly until clarity drops.
2. Identify Your Highest Comfortable Note
Move upward gradually. Stop when tone quality weakens or strain begins.
3. Map the Notes to the Chart
Example:
- Lowest: G2
- Highest: C5
- Your range covers several octaves across bass–tenor territory.
For full guidance, the How to Test Vocal Range tutorial gives a step-by-step method suitable for beginners and trained singers.
Vocal Range Chart With Examples of Famous Singers
Understanding where well-known singers fall on the chart gives helpful perspective.
| Singer | Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mariah Carey | E2–G7 | Iconic whistle register abilities |
| Freddie Mercury | F2–F6 | Tremendous flexibility and projection |
| Adele | C3–C6 | Strong mezzo-soprano with powerful chest voice |
| Ariana Grande | D3–E7 | Whistle tones and agile high register |
For deeper comparisons, see Vocal Range of Famous Singers (Examples and Charts) which breaks down genre, tessitura, and usable range.
Why Vocal Ranges Overlap
Singers often find themselves sitting between two classifications. This happens because:
- Vocal timbre varies by person
- Tessitura matters more than extremes
- Training shifts boundaries
- Anatomy influences resonance
For example, a mezzo-soprano may reach soprano highs but feel more comfortable in mid-range notes.
How Vocal Training Affects Your Range
Consistent training can expand your range by 5–12 semitones by improving:
- Breath support
- Register transitions
- Laryngeal stability
- Mixed voice strength
A great starting point is the How to Increase Vocal Range guide, which outlines safe, evidence-based techniques suitable for all voice types.
Vocal Range Chart FAQ
What is the average vocal range?
Most adults have between 1.5 and 2.5 octaves, though trained singers often exceed this.
What is the rarest voice type?
Contraltos (female) and true basses (male) are the rarest.
What is the highest vocal range?
The whistle register extends into C6–C7+.
Can vocal range improve?
Yes—proper technique significantly increases flexibility, comfort, and stamina.
Do men and women share ranges?
Yes. Range overlaps heavily; classification depends more on tessitura and timbre.