About Note Name to MIDI
Note Name to MIDI converts a musical note into its MIDI note number, the integer used by synthesisers, sequencers and DAWs to refer to a pitch. Pick a note name and octave, and the tool returns the corresponding MIDI number.
The formula is straightforward: the octave plus one, times twelve, plus the position of the note name in the chromatic scale, with middle C as the familiar anchor. Middle C, C4, reads MIDI 60, and the sharp notes work too - F#4 reads MIDI 66. The selector offers the twelve chromatic note names across octaves three, four and five.
The scope is a convenience conversion, not a theory reference. Only sharp spellings are offered, so a B flat must be entered as its enharmonic A sharp, and only the middle three octaves are selectable. The output is the bare MIDI number, with no frequency in hertz and no reverse conversion in the same tool - to go the other way you switch to the MIDI to Note tool.
How to use Note Name to MIDI
- 1 Pick the note name and octave from the selector.
- 2 Run the tool to read the MIDI number.
- 3 Use the number in a sequencer or a synthesiser patch.
Frequently asked questions
How is the MIDI number calculated?
The octave plus one is multiplied by twelve and the note position is added. C4 gives sixty, and F#4 gives sixty-six because the sharp occupies the next slot in the chromatic scale.
Why is there no B flat?
Only sharp spellings are offered, so a flat note must be entered as its enharmonic sharp - B flat is A sharp. There is no free-text entry and no flat notation.
Which octaves can I choose?
Three, four and five. The selector is limited to those, so notes outside the middle range cannot be entered through this tool.
Does it show the frequency too?
No. The output is the MIDI number only, with no frequency in hertz and no reverse direction. To go from MIDI back to a note name, use the matching tool.
Free, online, and private
Free to use
Note Name to MIDI is completely free. There is no account to create, no login, and no hidden charge or usage limit.
Runs online in your browser
It is a free online tool that runs entirely in your browser. Nothing to download or install — open the page and start using it right away.
Your data stays private
All processing happens locally on your device. Your input is never uploaded, stored, or tracked, so it never leaves your browser.
How Note Name to MIDI behaves in detail
These are the specifics of this implementation — the exact ranges, defaults and fixed settings you are working with.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input | a Note selector with the twelve note names across octaves three, four and five, starting at C4 |
| Output | a single line of the form MIDI: followed by the note number |
| Formula | the octave plus one times twelve, plus the position of the note name in the chromatic scale |
| Default | C4 reads MIDI: 60 |
| Sharps | sharp notes are handled, so F#4 reads MIDI: 66 |
| Fallback | a missing note falls back to C4 |
Compiled from the implementation of this tool and checked against it by itoolnet.
What Note Name to MIDI does not do
Knowing the edges of a tool saves more time than another list of its features. These are the cases where it will not do what you might expect.
- Only the three octaves from three to five are selectable, and only sharp spellings are offered. There is no flat notation, no other octaves and no free-text entry, so a note outside the list cannot be entered at all.
- The output is the MIDI number only. There is no frequency in hertz, no reverse conversion in the same tool and no display of the octave range or the full note name alongside the number.
- The tool works on one note at a time. There is no chord, sequence or scale mode, and a missing selection silently falls back to C4 rather than prompting.
Tested and documented by itoolnet, the team that builds and maintains this site.