The sample rate (sampling rate or sampling frequency) is the number of samples per second used to store a sound. It is measured in hertz (Hz) or kilohertz (kHz - 1000 hertz).

High sample rates, such as 44,100 Hz provide higher fidelity than lower sample rates, such as 11,025 Hz. However, more storage space is required when using higher sample rates.

Examples of sampling rates:

• 8,000 Hz - good enough for speech over the telephone
• 44,100 Hz - audio CD, MP3 files
• 96,000 or 192,400 Hz - DVD-Audio and HD-DVD (High-Definition DVD) audio tracks