How Fast Is Vocal Fold Edge?

During speech the edge of each vocal fold moves at about 1 m/s — opening and closing 100 to 300 times every second. The frequency is what gives a voice its pitch: men average about 115 Hz, women about 200 Hz, and a high soprano can reach 1,500+ Hz with the same physical edge motion.

Mariah Carey hit G7 (3,136 Hz) — among the highest sustained notes ever recorded in popular music.

• Same as walking pace
• 100 to 300 vibrations per second