Difference between male and female vocal cords

Adult male voices are usually deeper: males have thicker cord. The male vocal folds are between 17 mm and 25 mm in length. The female vocal folds are between 12.5 mm and 17.5 mm long. The difference in vocal fold size between men and women means that their voices have a different pitch.

1. Why is female voice sharper than male?
2. What is the main difference between male and female voice frequency?
3. Are women's vocal cords shorter?
4. Do females have thick vocal cords?

Why is female voice sharper than male?

Women have shorter vocal cords which vibrate more quickly and produce a higher pitch, while in men the longer vocal cords vibrate with low frequencies giving them deeper voice. Thus, women have high-pitched or shriller voice as compared to men.

What is the main difference between male and female voice frequency?

The Frequency Distinctions

Female voice fundamentals may range from around 350 Hz to 3,000 Hz. Their harmonics go from 3,000 Hz to 17,000 Hz. Male vocal fundamentals start at 100 Hz and top out at about 900 Hz.

Are women's vocal cords shorter?

The female vocal folds are on average 60% shorter anteriorly-posteriorly ²⁵ which is one of the primary reasons for women's higher average fundamental frequency (F₀) (190 Hz, female, vs. 120 Hz, male) ²⁶.

Do females have thick vocal cords?

Males and females have different vocal fold sizes. Adult male voices are usually lower-pitched due to longer and thicker folds. The male's vocal folds are between 1.75 cm and 2.5 cm (approx 0.75" to 1.0") in length, while females' vocal folds are between 1.25 cm and 1.75 cm (approx 0.5" to 0.75") in length.