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A cent is a unit used to measure musical intervals with great precision. One octave is divided into 1,200 cents, making a single semitone equal to 100 cents.
What is a cent?
The cent is used to describe very small differences in pitch that are smaller than a semitone. Because it provides such fine resolution, it is widely used in instrument tuning, temperament systems and digital music production.
For example, in the equal temperament tuning system used on modern pianos, every semitone measures exactly 100 cents.
How is a cent used in piano playing?
Most piano players do not think about cents while performing, but the concept is important when tuning an acoustic piano or adjusting the pitch of digital instruments. Many synthesizers, virtual instruments and tuning software allow pitch adjustments in cents.
Small pitch changes measured in cents are also used to create effects such as chorus, detuning and subtle variations in sound, giving music a richer and more natural character.