Simple Explanation

The span between the lowest and highest sounds something can produce or hear.

Concise Technical Definition

A stated span of frequencies (e.g., 20 Hz–20 kHz) without indicating amplitude limits or tolerances.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Like the low and high notes a piano can play—frequency range is how far the sound can stretch from deep to sharp.

Industry Usage Summary

Used to describe the operational or design limits of audio gear, rooms, or hearing; doesn’t imply uniform output, just the extent of frequency coverage.

Engineering Shortcut

Stated bandwidth limits (e.g., 30 Hz–18 kHz) without ±dB constraints.

Full Technical Explanation

Frequency range defines the span between the lowest and highest frequencies a system, component, or environment can produce, reproduce, or detect. It’s typically expressed in Hz (e.g., 20 Hz–20 kHz) but doesn’t include any specification of how accurately or evenly those frequencies are reproduced. Unlike frequency response, which includes limits like ±3 dB, frequency range is a raw statement of coverage—often used in marketing or general specifications without guaranteeing consistent performance across that span. It is useful for understanding theoretical bandwidth, but not for assessing fidelity.