Transposition calculator
How to read the result
A positive interval moves the written notes up; a negative interval moves them down. Select the instrument the existing part is already written for, not just the instrument you play. The calculator preserves the sounding pitch, including its octave.
Three examples from concert pitch
- Concert pitch → B♭ clarinet or trumpet: +2 semitones. Written C4 becomes D4.
- Concert pitch → E♭ alto saxophone: +9 semitones. C4 becomes A4; −3 would be an octave too low.
- Concert pitch → B♭ tenor saxophone: +14 semitones. C4 becomes D5; +2 would be an octave too low and is not the same result.
What this calculator does not do
It calculates locally in your browser, free of charge and without an account or upload. It does not arrange parts, check playable ranges or change clefs. These choices use standard modern notation; bass clarinet specifically uses the treble-clef convention. Unusual tunings and historical notation are not covered.
Solfa currently transposes PDF pages and images between −12 and +12 semitones. The calculator retains larger intervals and flags them as outside that range. Solfa cannot apply different instrument transpositions to separate staves on one mixed-score page.
Musical reference
Questions
Is this transposition calculator free?
Yes. It runs in your browser without an account, upload or credits. Transposing a PDF or image with Solfa is a separate feature.
Why does tenor saxophone need +14 rather than +2?
Tenor saxophone sounds a major ninth below its written pitch: an octave plus a whole tone. Preserving the sounding register therefore requires concert-pitch notes to move up 14 semitones.
Can I use intervals above +12 directly in Solfa?
No. Solfa currently supports −12 to +12 semitones. A shorter interval may give the same key, but changes the sounding octave.