Tenor Vocal Range
The tenor is the highest male voice within the modal register. The typical tenor range runs from C3 (an octave below middle C) to C5, two octaves. The low extreme is roughly B♭2, and some tenors reach F5. Treat these notes as a guide, because sources differ slightly.
What notes can a tenor sing?
| Note | Name | MIDI | Hz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical lowest note | C3 | 48 | 130.8 |
| Typical highest note | C5 | 72 | 523.3 |
| Lowest extreme | A#2 | 46 | 116.5 |
| Highest extreme | F5 | 77 | 698.5 |
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 tenor voice like?
The tenor voice lies above the baritone and below the countertenor. Its tessitura is the highest among the male voices that sing in the chest-dominant modal register, and the leggero tenor has the highest tessitura of all tenor subtypes.
Famous tenors named on the Wikipedia voice-type page include Enrico Caruso, Juan Diego Flórez, Alfredo Kraus and Luciano Pavarotti. Tenor is also a choir part: the higher of the two usual men’s parts.
What are the tenor subtypes?
- Tenore contraltino
- Leggero tenor (tenore di grazia)
- Lyric tenor
- Spinto tenor
- Dramatic tenor
- Heldentenor
- Baritenor
Tenor subtypes are divided by range, tone colour, vocal weight and agility.
How do I know if I am a tenor?
Find your lowest and highest comfortable notes with the free test, then compare them with C3 to C5. 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 tenor? Test your range
Sing your lowest and highest note and see your range, octaves and voice type. Free, and your voice never leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tenor vocal range?
The typical tenor range lies between C3, one octave below middle C, and C5, one octave above it. The low extreme is roughly B♭2 and some tenors reach F5. Another source gives D3 to A4 as an operatic approximation, so limits vary.
How high can a tenor sing?
A typical tenor tops out around C5. At the highest extreme, some tenors sing up to F5. Men can sing higher in falsetto, but notes in falsetto are usually not counted in the tenor range in classical music.
What is the difference between a tenor and a baritone?
Tenors sit higher, typically C3 to C5, while baritones typically sing A2 to A4. The ranges overlap, and the baritone is the most common male voice. Teachers also judge tessitura and timbre, so range alone does not decide.
Is tenor the most common male voice?
No. The baritone is the most common type of male voice. Tenors are often described as the highest male voice within the modal register, and many men who find choir tenor parts too high are baritones.
Can a tenor sing bass notes?
Only the top of the bass range overlaps with a tenor’s low notes. A typical tenor goes down to C3 and some to about B♭2, while a bass typically sings E2 to E4, so most bass notes are too low for a tenor.
How do I find out whether I am a tenor?
Use the free test on this site to find your lowest and highest notes. If your range sits around C3 to C5 and the high notes feel comfortable and easy, tenor is likely. A voice teacher can confirm it, because range is only one factor.
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