Alto Vocal Range
Alto (contralto) is the lowest typical female voice. Its typical range runs from F3 to F5, two octaves, and in the extremes some contraltos sing from D3 up to B♭5. The contralto has the lowest tessitura of the female voices. Sources give slightly different limits, so use the notes as a guide.
What notes can a alto sing?
| Note | Name | MIDI | Hz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lowest note | F3 | 53 | 174.6 |
| Typical highest note | F5 | 77 | 698.5 |
| Lowest extreme | D3 | 50 | 146.8 |
| Highest extreme | A#5 | 82 | 932.3 |
Notes are approximations: voice classification systems differ, and no system is universally accepted. See the vocal range chart for other voice types.
What is the alto voice like?
The contralto is the lowest female voice type, and “alto” is the usual word for the same low part in a choir. In current operatic practice, female singers with very low voices are often included among the mezzo-sopranos.
A true low voice is defined by more than the lowest note: the contralto has the lowest tessitura of the female voices, and many singers and teachers describe the tone as darker. Men who sing in falsetto may also sing the alto part in a choir (in the UK this is called a male alto).
What are the alto subtypes?
- Coloratura contralto
- Lyric contralto
- Dramatic contralto
A soprano sfogato is a contralto with an extended high range that reaches the soprano high C.
How do I know if I am a alto?
Find your lowest and highest comfortable notes with the free test, then compare them with F3 to F5. Range is only one factor: where your voice is comfortable most of the time (tessitura) and the colour of your sound (timbre) matter more. If you are unsure, a voice teacher can classify your voice.
Are you a alto? Test your range
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Frequently asked questions
What is the alto vocal range?
The typical contralto (alto) range lies between F3 and F5, two octaves. In the extremes, some contraltos sing from D3 up to B♭5. Sources give slightly different limits, so treat these notes as a guide rather than a strict rule.
What is the difference between alto and contralto?
Contralto is the voice type, the lowest female voice. Alto is the choir part, and the word is also used as a shorter name for the same voice. In a choir, mezzo-sopranos often sing alto, and some men sing the alto part in falsetto.
Is alto lower than mezzo-soprano?
Yes. The mezzo-soprano sits between soprano and contralto and typically sings A3 to A5, while the contralto typically sings F3 to F5. The ranges overlap, so teachers also listen to tessitura and timbre.
Can I be an alto if I cannot sing very high?
Yes. A voice type is not a measure of ability. The contralto has the lowest tessitura of the female voices, so altos sit lower, and their tone is often darker. Straining for notes above your comfortable range can tire the voice, so sing where it feels easy.
How do I know whether I am an alto or a mezzo-soprano?
Test your range, then notice where your voice feels most comfortable over a whole song. If your range is centred near F3 to F5 and the lower notes feel easiest, alto is likely. If the centre is around A3 to A5, mezzo-soprano fits better.
What is a male alto?
In the UK, “male alto” describes a man who uses falsetto to sing the alto section of a choir. Outside the UK the word countertenor is more common, and countertenors also sing solo roles in opera.
Other voice types
Sources
- Wikipedia. Voice type. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_type
- Wikipedia. Vocal range. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_range
Sources checked on October 11, 2026. Voice-type ranges are approximations and differ between sources. If you spot a mistake, email info@vocalrange.net.
Last updated: October 11, 2026