What is the highest female singing voice?

The soprano is the highest standard female singing voice. In the usual vocal classification system, soprano parts sit above mezzo-soprano and alto or contralto, while tenor and bass are traditionally lower male voice types.

The word “soprano” comes from the Italian sopra, meaning “above” or “over.” In classical singing, a soprano's typical range extends roughly from middle C to the A above the treble staff, although trained singers and specific roles can go higher or lower. Range alone does not determine the classification: vocal color, power, tessitura, and comfortable register also matter.

A common mix-up is treating “alto” as the highest female voice. Alto usually refers to a lower female range, and in choral music it may describe the part rather than a singer's exact voice type. Famous soprano roles include Mozart's Queen of the Night and Puccini's Mimì in La bohème.