How Is Voice Type Determined? The Rule Behind a Range Test
Teachers judge voice type by range, tessitura, timbre and passaggio. A range test uses one rule: here is VocalCheck's, with worked examples and its limits.
Independent software developer
Iris Lambert is the independent developer behind VocalCheck, a free browser-based tool that estimates your vocal range and voice type in seconds. Iris Lambert is the pen name of VocalCheck's author. Everything runs locally on your device — your microphone audio is processed in your browser and is never uploaded to a server. Iris writes these guides by running every step in VocalCheck itself and cross-checking the results against published vocal-pedagogy sources before publishing.
Questions or corrections: contact@vocalcheck.io.
Teachers judge voice type by range, tessitura, timbre and passaggio. A range test uses one rule: here is VocalCheck's, with worked examples and its limits.
Ariana Grande's vocal range spans 4 octaves from D3 to E7. See her whistle register, light lyric soprano voice type, and how Wicked reshaped her technique.
Axl Rose's vocal range spans over 5 octaves, from F1 to Bb6 — the widest in rock. See what that number really counts, and how his two voices work together.
Beyoncé's vocal range spans about 3.5 octaves from A2 to E6. See her mezzo-soprano voice type, the Love on Top key changes, and her Cowboy Carter aria.
Taylor Swift's vocal range covers about 2.5 octaves, from Bb2 to G5. See her mezzo-soprano voice type, how each era uses it, and why her songs feel singable.
Whitney Houston's vocal range spanned about 3 octaves, from A2 to C6. See how The Voice used power, control, and gospel technique to outsing bigger ranges.
Was Freddie Mercury a tenor? The commonly cited 4-octave range (F2–F6), what a 2016 acoustic study actually measured, and why his speaking voice was baritone.
The alto (contralto) vocal range is F3 to F5 — the lowest and rarest female voice type. See famous alto singers and how to tell if you have a true alto voice.
The baritone vocal range is G2 to G4 — the most common male voice type. Learn the difference between baritone, tenor, and bass, plus famous baritone singers.
Learn how to find your vocal range step by step. Discover your lowest note, highest note, and voice type in under 5 minutes with or without a piano.
Mariah Carey is a lyric coloratura soprano with a 5-octave range from F2 to G#7. See her exact range, voice type, and famous whistle register notes.
Mezzo-soprano sits between soprano and alto, ranging A3 to A5. Learn how mezzo differs from alto and soprano, plus famous mezzo-soprano singers.
The soprano vocal range spans C4 (middle C) to C6 (high C). Learn soprano sub-types, see famous singers, and find out how to tell if you're a soprano.
Soprano, alto, tenor, bass — plus mezzo-soprano, baritone, and countertenor. Learn all 7 voice types, their vocal ranges, and how to find yours in seconds.
Learn how to identify what note you're singing using pitch detection, note names, and ear training. A practical guide for beginner singers and musicians.