How this works: Each open chord shape has a root note (E, A, D, G, C). When you put a capo on fret n, every open shape sounds n semitones higher. The calculator finds which fret raises your chosen shape's root to match your target key. Only frets 1–7 are shown — a capo higher than the 7th fret is impractical on most guitars.
About the Capo Calculator
A capo clamps across all strings at a chosen fret, effectively raising the pitch of every open string. This lets you use familiar open chord shapes in any key without learning new fingerings. For example, place a capo on fret 2 and play an open E shape — it sounds like F#.
Select your target key (the key you want to sound in) and the chord shape you prefer to play. The calculator shows every capo position that achieves that key with that shape, along with shapes that happen to work at the same fret.
When to use a capo: Singers often capo up to put a song in a more comfortable vocal range. You can also use a capo to get a brighter, chime-like tone from open strings in higher positions.