What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Cycles per second is a way to describe frequency: how many times a repeating event completes one full repetition in one second. The SI unit for frequency is the hertz (Hz), and 1 cycle per second equals 1 Hz.
What counts as a cycle?
A cycle is one complete repetition of a periodic event. For a wave, that means the point at which its pattern has repeated; for another repeating process, it means one full repeat of that process. Frequency tells you how many complete cycles occur in a given amount of time. NIST describes frequency as the rate of a repetitive event and defines the number of periods or cycles per second as frequency.
How cycles per second relates to hertz
Hertz is the SI unit of frequency. One hertz means one cycle per second, so a repeating event at 1 Hz completes one cycle in one second. Larger prefixes scale the same unit:
- 1 Hz = 1 cycle per second
- 1 kHz = 1,000 cycles per second
- 1 MHz = 1,000,000 cycles per second
For SI frequency notation, use Hz, kHz, or MHz rather than writing “cycles per second” each time.
#1 Best Overall
- The frequency meter capable of measuring the parameters of the frequency of the continuous carrier signal walkie talkies , with signal strength indicator.Note: The SF401 Plus Portable Radio Frequency Counter Meter is only used to measure the transmission frequency of walkie-talkies from 27MHz to 3000MHz and is not suitable for wide bandwidth.
- This portable frequency counter is designed for counting continuous wave signal comes from Two-way Radio. Package includes: 1 VU 144/430MHz antenna, 1 UHF 400-470MHz antenna, 1 AC power adapter, 1 11.8-inch USB cable, and 1 user manual.
- There are easy ranges for you to choose. The ranges cover most of the frequency of the two way radios you want to measure.
- Its four-button control is easy to use and its small size allows you to carry it anywhere you like.
- Work by TCXO(Temperature Compensate X'tal (crystal) Oscillator) ,In the range of -45 C to 65 C can reach positive and negative2 to positive and negative 4ppm accuracy.
Frequency and period are reciprocals
The period, written as T, is the time taken to complete one cycle. Frequency, written as f, is the number of cycles per unit time. They are reciprocals:
f = 1/T and T = 1/f
For example, 1 kHz means 1,000 cycles per second, so each cycle takes 1 millisecond. A 1 MHz sine wave completes 1,000,000 cycles per second, or one cycle every microsecond, as illustrated in NIST’s stopwatch and timer calibration guide.
Rank #2
- Frequency counter accurately measures frequencies from 10Hz to 2.7GHz across both input channels, supports Direct Counting up to 10MHz and Proportional Counting from 10MHz to 100MHz, precise for low and high signals
- Frequency counter equipped with multiple functions including Frequency Measurement, Period Measurement, Cumulative Count, and Self-Check Functions, designed for quick testing with high accuracy and reliable values
- Frequency counter features an 8-digit LED display that shows characters 0-9 in a continuous cycle, ensuring clear and easy-to-read results
- Frequency counter offers selectable gate times of 0.01s, 0.1s, and 1s, allowing users to customize measurement duration for different applications
- Frequency counter achieves a highest input sensitivity of 20mVrms, with exceptional stability rated at ±3 x 10^-9s for reliable operation
Cycles per second is not the same as radians per second
Frequency in hertz counts complete cycles. Angular frequency describes the rate of change of phase and is expressed in radians per second (rad/s). For a periodic signal, angular frequency is ω = 2πf, where f is frequency in hertz. The values therefore differ by a factor of 2π; Hz and rad/s are related units, but they are not numerically interchangeable. NIST assigns hertz to frequency and radians per second to angular frequency in its SI guidance.
Why “cps” is less suitable in SI writing
You may encounter “cps” or “cycle/s” in conventional usage, but NIST notes that “cycle” and “cps” are not SI units. Use hertz (Hz) for frequency in SI contexts. The name “hertz” is the unit; “cycles per second” describes what the frequency counts.
Rank #3
- The frequency meter capable of measuring the parameters of the frequency of the continuous carrier signal walkie-talkies , with signal strength indicator. It is the tool of choice for maintenance personnel ,test frequency and signal strength for wireless enthusiasts. This portable frequency counter is designed for counting continuous wave signal comes from Two-way Radio.
- There are easy ranges for you to choose. The ranges cover most of the frequency of the two way radios you want to measure.
- Its four-button control is easy to use and its small size allows you to carry it anywhere you like. Work by TCXO (Temperature Compensate X'tal (crystal) Oscillator) ,In the range of -45 ℃ to 65 ℃ can reach plus and minus 2 until plus and minus 4ppm accuracy
- This include very interesting frequency areas such as 2m HAM radio, all VHF and UHF. DMR Radio signal e frequency counter.
- GUI Battery level. Warning: 1) Max. direct input signal 5Vp,p. 2) Prohibit direct access to the radio antenna output, resulting in damage to the frequency meter.
How the second is defined
The SI definition of the second uses 9,192,631,770 periods of radiation associated with a specified transition in cesium-133. This figure defines the duration of one second; it is not an everyday frequency example or a typical operating rate. NIST explains the definition on its page about the second.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Handheld Frequency counter with DCS and CTCSS decoder
- Wide measurement range from VHF 136-174MHz and UHF 400-470MHz
- One button control, long press the button to power on/off, press to test next testing afer display frequency
- Equipped wtih 9V battery and antenna, measure radio frequency within 1 meter range
- Mini size 9*5.5*2cm, easy to carry and use
Rank #4
- The frequency meter capable of measuring the parameters of the frequency of the continuous carrier signal walkie-talkies , with signal strength indicator.it is the tool of choice for maintenance personnel ,test frequency and signal strength for wireless enthusiasts.
- This portable frequency counter is designed for counting continuous wave signal comes from Two-way Radio.
- There are easy ranges for you to choose. The ranges cover most of the frequency of the two way radios you want to measure.
- Its four-button control is easy to use and its small size allows you to carry it anywhere you like.
- DMR Radio signal e frequency counter.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

