Simple Explanation

The number of times something repeats in one second—often used for sound waves or electrical signals.

Concise Technical Definition

A unit that measures the number of oscillations (voltage swings or air pressure cycles) occurring every second in an electrical or acoustic waveform; equivalent to Hertz (Hz).

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like counting how many times a swing goes back and forth in one second.

Industry Usage Summary

Once a standard term in physics and audio to describe frequency; now largely replaced by the SI unit Hertz (Hz). Still occasionally used in legacy documentation, older textbooks, or by engineers referencing vintage equipment.

Engineering Shortcut

1 CPS = 1 Hz (used interchangeably).

Full Technical Explanation

CPS stands for Cycles Per Second and was historically used to describe frequency before being replaced by the SI unit Hertz (Hz). It represents the number of complete waveform cycles—such as electrical voltage swings or acoustic pressure changes—that occur in one second. For example, a tone with 440 CPS means 440 cycles of compression/rarefaction of air per second.