Chord Interval Calculator
Understanding chord intervals is fundamental to music theory, improvisation, and composition. Every chord type is defined by a set of semitone intervals above the root note. Select a root note and chord type, and this calculator shows you each note in the chord by name, its interval from the root in semitones, and the interval name (major third, perfect fifth, etc.). This tool covers triads, dominant and major 7ths, minor 7ths, diminished, augmented, suspended chords, and extended 9th chords.
Chord interval reference
Major triad: 0, 4, 7 (R, M3, P5)
Minor triad: 0, 3, 7 (R, m3, P5)
Dominant 7th: 0, 4, 7, 10 (R, M3, P5, m7)
Major 7th: 0, 4, 7, 11 (R, M3, P5, M7)
Diminished: 0, 3, 6 (R, m3, d5)
Intervals are measured in semitones from the root. R = root (0), m2 = 1, M2 = 2, m3 = 3, M3 = 4, P4 = 5, d5 = 6, P5 = 7, m6 = 8, M6 = 9, m7 = 10, M7 = 11, P8 = 12.
Common chord uses
- Major triads: the foundation of happy, resolved harmony.
- Minor triads: darker, sadder sound used in emotional and dramatic contexts.
- Dominant 7th: creates strong tension that resolves to the tonic a perfect fourth up.
- Major 7th: smooth, jazzy sound that resolves gently.
- Diminished: maximum tension, often used as passing chords.
- Sus2/Sus4: ambiguous, neither major nor minor - used for dramatic or open-ended moments.
Chord intervals: frequently asked questions
What are chord intervals?
Chord intervals are the number of semitones between each note of a chord and the root (lowest) note. A major triad has intervals 0, 4, 7 semitones (root, major third, perfect fifth). A minor triad has 0, 3, 7.
How many semitones is a major third?
A major third spans 4 semitones. A minor third spans 3 semitones. A perfect fifth spans 7 semitones. A major seventh spans 11 semitones. A minor seventh spans 10 semitones.
What is the difference between a major and minor chord?
A major triad (intervals: 0, 4, 7) has a major third above the root, giving a bright sound. A minor triad (0, 3, 7) has a minor third above the root (one semitone lower), giving a darker sound. The perfect fifth is the same in both.
What notes are in a C major 7 chord?
C major 7 (Cmaj7) intervals are 0, 4, 7, 11 semitones from C: C, E, G, B. The major seventh (B) is 11 semitones above C.
What is a diminished chord?
A diminished triad has intervals 0, 3, 6: root, minor third, diminished fifth (tritone). A fully diminished seventh adds a diminished seventh (interval 9, or equivalently a diminished seventh = 3 stacked minor thirds): 0, 3, 6, 9.
Official sources
- MIDI Association: midi.org - music theory and note specifications.
- Audio Engineering Society (AES): aes.org - music theory and audio production standards.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.