Port length for 32 Hz tuning
At 32 Hz, a 2.5 ft³ net box needs a 4" round port 10 5/16" long, or a 2 9/16" × 13 1/2" slot port 31 15/16" long. Bigger boxes need shorter ports; bigger ports need longer ones.
32 Hz is the usual daily tuning: deep enough for most music, still punchy, and the port stays a sensible length.
Round port length for 32 Hz (one port, flush on the baffle)
Round port length for 32 Hz (one port, flush on the baffle)| Net volume | 3" port | 4" port | 6" port |
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| 1 ft³ | 16 7/16" | 30 1/8" | 70" |
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| 1.5 ft³ | 10 3/16" | 19 1/8" | 45 1/4" |
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| 2 ft³ | 7 1/8" | 13 5/8" | 32 13/16" |
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| 2.5 ft³ | 5 1/4" | 10 5/16" | 25 3/8" |
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| 3 ft³ | 4" | 8 1/8" | 20 7/16" |
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| 4 ft³ | 2 7/16" | 5 5/16" | 14 3/16" |
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| 5 ft³ | 1 1/2" | 3 11/16" | 10 1/2" |
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Slot port for 32 Hz (13 1/2" tall, 14 sq in per ft³, 3/4" wall)
Slot port for 32 Hz (13 1/2" tall, 14 sq in per ft³, 3/4" wall)| Net volume | Slot W × H | Length | Takes up |
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| 1 ft³ | 1 1/16" × 13 1/2" | 33 3/4" | 0.47 ft³ |
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| 1.5 ft³ | 1 9/16" × 13 1/2" | 33 1/16" | 0.6 ft³ |
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| 2 ft³ | 2 1/16" × 13 1/2" | 32 1/2" | 0.72 ft³ |
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| 2.5 ft³ | 2 9/16" × 13 1/2" | 31 15/16" | 0.83 ft³ |
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| 3 ft³ | 3 1/8" × 13 1/2" | 31 1/2" | 0.95 ft³ |
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| 4 ft³ | 4 1/8" × 13 1/2" | 30 11/16" | 1.17 ft³ |
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| 5 ft³ | 5 3/16" × 13 1/2" | 29 15/16" | 1.39 ft³ |
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The formula
L = 1.463 × 10⁷ × N × R² ÷ (Fb² × Vb) − k × D, in inches, with Vb in cubic inches (1 ft³ = 1,728 in³), R the port radius and k × D = 1.463 × R for a port flush on the baffle. A slot uses the radius of a circle with the same area.
Real tuning lands within a few hertz of the math. Build the port a little long, test, and trim.
“Too small” means no length reaches that tuning: even with no tube the port tunes lower. Use a bigger port or more of them.
Port length for other tunings
Frequently asked questions
How long should the port be for 32 Hz?
At 32 Hz, a 2.5 ft³ net box needs a 4" round port 10 5/16" long, or a 2 9/16" × 13 1/2" slot port 31 15/16" long. Bigger boxes need shorter ports; bigger ports need longer ones.
Is 32 Hz a good tuning?
32 Hz is the usual daily tuning: deep enough for most music, still punchy, and the port stays a sensible length.
What is end correction?
The air just outside each end of the port moves with it, so the port acts longer than it is. The formula subtracts that extra length: 1.463 × R for a plain tube on the baffle, more for a flared port.