Apex Conversion

RPM to Hz Conversion Chart

Quick-reference chart converting revolutions per minute (RPM) to hertz (Hz). Covers 60–10,000 RPM with engine, motor, and hard drive examples.

For a custom value not in this chart, use the interactive Revolutions per Minute to Hertz converter.

Revolutions per Minute (RPM)Hertz (Hz)
60 RPM1 Hz
120 RPM2 Hz
300 RPM5 Hz
600 RPM10 Hz
750 RPM12.5 Hz
900 RPM15 Hz
1200 RPM20 Hz
1500 RPM25 Hz
1800 RPM30 Hz
2400 RPM40 Hz
3000 RPM50 Hz
3600 RPM60 Hz
4500 RPM75 Hz
5400 RPM90 Hz
6000 RPM100 Hz
7200 RPM120 Hz
9000 RPM150 Hz
10000 RPM166.667 Hz

Conversion Formula

Hz = RPM ÷ 60
Example: 3,000 RPM ÷ 60 = 50 Hz

Machine anchors:
  Engine idle        600–1,000 RPM = 10–16.7 Hz
  Highway cruising   2,000–2,500 RPM = 33–42 Hz
  4-pole AC motor (60 Hz grid) 1,800 RPM = 30 Hz
  2-pole AC motor (60 Hz grid) 3,600 RPM = 60 Hz
  Hard drives        5,400 / 7,200 RPM = 90 / 120 Hz
  Washing machine spin 1,200–1,600 RPM = 20–26.7 Hz

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1800 RPM in Hz?

1,800 RPM = 30 Hz (1,800 ÷ 60). This is the synchronous speed of a four-pole AC motor on a 60 Hz grid, which is why 1,800 RPM (and its loaded speed, ~1,750 RPM) appears on so many motor nameplates.

Why are so many motors rated 1800 or 3600 RPM?

AC motor speed locks to the grid frequency: a two-pole motor turns once per cycle (60 Hz × 60 s = 3,600 RPM) and a four-pole motor at half that (1,800 RPM). On 50 Hz grids the same motors run at 3,000 and 1,500 RPM.

What is a hard drive's RPM in hertz?

A 5,400 RPM drive spins at 90 Hz and a 7,200 RPM drive at 120 Hz. The faster rotation reduces the wait for data to pass under the read head, which is part of why 7,200 RPM drives have better access times.

What RPM is dangerous for a car engine?

Whatever exceeds the redline — typically 6,000–7,500 RPM (100–125 Hz) for gasoline engines and 4,500–5,000 RPM for diesels. Rev limiters cut fuel before damage occurs; sustained running near redline accelerates wear even below it.

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All conversion values are calculated using internationally recognized conversion factors. Results are provided for general informational purposes — verify critical values independently. Read our full disclaimer.