Revolutions per minute and hertz
One revolution per minute is 1/60 of a hertz. Engines, motors, hard drives, fans and turntables are rated in rpm.
The hertz is the SI unit of frequency: one cycle per second. Mains electricity (50/60 Hz), sound and display refresh rates (120 Hz) are given in hertz.
Worked example
Convert 3,000 rpm: 3,000 × 0.01666666667 = 50, so 3,000 revolutions per minute is 50 hertz. Likewise 1,000 rpm = 16.66666667 Hz.
Estimating in your head
Divide by 60 for a quick figure; it is off by about 0%. For 3,000 rpm that gives 50 Hz, against 50 exactly.
Going the other way
To convert hertz to revolutions per minute, divide by 0.01666666667 (or multiply by 60). The swap button between the boxes opens that page.
How this works
Hz = rpm × 0.01666666667
1 rpm = ≈ 0.01666666667 Hz and 1 Hz = 1 Hz, both by definition, so the factor is their ratio: 0.01666666667 (rounded here; the page uses the full value). Results drop binary floating-point noise beyond 15 significant digits and display at the precision you choose (6 significant figures by default). Copy result copies the full value.
Frequently asked
How many hertz are in a revolution per minute?
1 revolution per minute = 0.01666666667 hertz. The factor is exact by definition but has endless decimals, so it is shown rounded; the page uses the full value.
How do I convert revolutions per minute to hertz?
Multiply by 0.01666666667. For example, 1,000 rpm × 0.01666666667 = 16.66666667 Hz.
What is 10,000 rpm in hertz?
10,000 rpm = 166.6666667 Hz. The table next to the converter lists more common values.
Is the result rounded?
Only on screen. The page computes with the exact definitions and removes floating-point noise past 15 significant digits; pick 3 to 12 significant figures, or use Copy result for the full value.
Sources
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure), 9th edition
- NIST SP 811 Appendix B.8 — Factors for units listed alphabetically
- Wikipedia — Revolutions per minute
Reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · test vectors fixtures/units/frequency/rpm-to-hz/