I see terahertz frequencies listed in a research paper. How do they compare to 5G millimeter-wave at 28 GHz?

28 GHz = 0.028 THz. Terahertz research typically starts around 0.1 THz (100 GHz) and goes to 10+ THz. The 0.1–10 THz range is 3–350× higher than 5G millimeter-wave, with much shorter wavelengths and penetration/propagation properties that differ drastically. See [MHz to GHz]({/frequency/mhz-to-ghz/}) for how GHz scales to familiar WiFi.

A terahertz spectrometer measures at 3 THz. How many gigahertz is that, and how does it compare to my WiFi?

3 THz = 3,000 GHz. Your WiFi at 2.4 GHz is 1,250× slower. At 3 THz, wavelengths shrink to 100 micrometers—roughly the diameter of a human hair. Terahertz can image through some materials and reveal spectral signatures of drugs, plastics, and crystals.

Why do some research institutions push toward terahertz instead of just using higher GHz frequencies?

THz offers unique advantages: non-ionizing radiation (safe unlike X-rays), penetration through materials opaque to visible light, and spectral signatures revealing molecular composition. GHz frequencies (microwave, WiFi, cellular) scatter poorly at short wavelengths. THz's sweet spot enables imaging and spectroscopy impossible at GHz scales.

Is terahertz radiation dangerous? I know 2.4 GHz WiFi is considered safe.

THz is safe—non-ionizing, like 2.4 GHz WiFi. In fact, THz is lower energy than visible light. The photon energy at 3 THz (0.012 eV) is far below the ionization threshold (~13.6 eV for hydrogen atoms). Airport scanners using 0.5 THz are FDA-approved for routine screening.

Terahertz (THz) to Gigahertz (GHz) Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between frequency units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Terahertz = 1000 Gigahertz

Key Formulas

Hertz → Kilohertz

kHz = Hz × 0.001

Kilohertz → Hertz

Hz = kHz × 1000

Megahertz → Gigahertz

GHz = MHz × 0.001

Gigahertz → Megahertz

MHz = GHz × 1000

Formula

GHz = THz × 1,000

Terahertz frequencies (0.1–10 THz) bridge the gap between microwave and infrared, offering unique properties for imaging, spectroscopy, and emerging wireless standards. Gigahertz measures common RF frequencies—WiFi at 2.4 GHz, cellular bands, microwave ovens, and modern processors. Converting THz to GHz helps engineers and researchers contextualize where terahertz sits relative to familiar RF systems. A 1 THz signal equals 1,000 GHz—1,000× higher than the fastest commercial WiFi, but still far lower than visible light.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

A terahertz spectrometer measuring at 1 THz = 1,000 GHz. This is roughly 400× higher than 2.4 GHz WiFi, and sits in the far-infrared region where many molecular resonances appear.

1 THz = 1000 GHz

A 0.5 THz imaging camera for security screening = 500 GHz. Airport scanners use this sub-millimeter wavelength to detect concealed objects without X-rays.

0.5 THz = 500 GHz

A terahertz pump-probe experiment at 2.45 THz = 2,450 GHz. Researchers studying ultrafast dynamics use this to probe far-infrared vibrational modes in materials.

2.45 THz = 2450 GHz

Lower-frequency terahertz at 0.1 THz = 100 GHz. This range overlaps with millimeter-wave 5G (28 GHz, 39 GHz) and emerging 6G proposals.

0.1 THz = 100 GHz

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Terahertz (THz) to Gigahertz (GHz) Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

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