Pendulum Period Calculator

T = 2π √(L/g). Period of a simple pendulum (small angles).

Inputs

Result

Period
2.0061 s
Frequency: 0.4985 Hz.
  • Length1 m
  • Gravity9.81 m/s²
  • Period2.006067 s
  • Frequency0.498488 Hz
  • Half period (one swing)1.003033 s

Step-by-step

  1. T = 2π √(L/g) = 2π × √(1 / 9.81) = 2.006067 s.
  2. f = 1/T = 0.498488 Hz.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter pendulum length and local g.
  • Read period + frequency.

About this calculator

A simple pendulum (point mass on massless string) has period T = 2π √(L/g) for small swings (≤ ~10°). Period independent of mass and (initially) amplitude — the discovery that made grandfather clocks possible. A 1m pendulum on Earth: T ≈ 2.0 s. To halve the period, shorten by 4×. To increase period 10×, lengthen 100×. Foucault pendulum demonstrates Earth's rotation.

Frequently asked

Restoring torque scales with mass; moment of inertia also scales with mass. Cancels.

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