Sampling & Nyquist

Sample a wave too slowly and it lies to you — appearing as a completely different, slower wave. Watch aliasing happen and see the Nyquist limit.

Sampling & NyquistLive

when digital gets it wrong

Controls

Presets

Signal frequency (Hz)

Sample rate fs (Hz)

The Nyquist–Shannon theorem says you must sample faster than twice the highest frequency. Sample too slowly and a high frequency masquerades as a low one — aliasing — which is why anti-alias filters guard every ADC. Educational tool.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Nyquist rate10 Hz

Samplingtoo slow ⚠

Apparent frequency3.0 Hz

Governing equation

f_{s} > 2 f_{m a x} : 8 Hz < 10 Hz \Rightarrow f_{alias} = 3.0 Hz

Reading this result: Undersampled: fs=8 Hz is below the 10 Hz Nyquist rate, so the 5 Hz tone masquerades as a false 3.0 Hz signal.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

★ Sign in to save this setup

Save your tuned setup, or drop this simulation into your own site, docs, or course page.

How it works

The Nyquist–Shannon theorem states a signal must be sampled at more than twice its highest frequency to be reconstructed. Below that rate, high frequencies fold down into false low ones — aliasing — the reason every digital system uses an anti-alias filter before sampling. Educational tool.

✦

Ask the AI about this model

The math, the assumptions, real-world uses, or a code translation — explained for this exact simulation.

More Signals simulations

Fourier Transform FIR Filter Designer DFT Spectrum Analysis Window Functions ADC Quantization AM / FM Modulation Matched Filter Pole–Zero Response

Frequently asked questions

Is this nyquist sampling aliasing tool really free?▾

Yes. Sampling & Nyquist runs entirely in your browser using your device's own compute, so local use is free forever. You only pay Compute Tokens if you scale a job to the cloud.

Do I need to install anything?▾

No. Everything runs client-side in a modern browser — no downloads, no license, no account required to start.

Can I save or share my simulation?▾

Create a free account to save projects, and use a shareable embed or minted DOI to publish a live, interactive version anywhere.

How accurate are the results?▾

The solver uses established numerical methods, but results are for research and educational purposes and should be validated against experiment or professional review before you rely on them.