---
name: "cvt"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "libxcvt"
version: "0.1.3-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/cvt"
---

# cvt(1)

calculate VESA CVT mode lines

## NAME

cvt - calculate VESA CVT mode lines

## SYNOPSIS

**cvt** \[**-v**\|**--verbose**\] \[**-r**\|**--reduced**\] *h-resolution* *v-resolution* \[**refresh**\]

## DESCRIPTION

*Cvt* is a utility for calculating VESA Coordinated Video Timing modes.  Given the desired horizontal and vertical resolutions, a modeline adhering to the CVT standard is printed. This modeline can be included in Xorg **[xorg.conf(5)](/xorg.conf/5.md)**

## OPTIONS

- **refresh**

  Provide a vertical refresh rate in Hz.  The CVT standard prefers either 50.0, 60.0, 75.0 or 85.0Hz.  The default is 60.0Hz.

- **-v**\|**--verbose**

  Warn verbosely when a given mode does not completely correspond with CVT standards.

- **-r**\|**--reduced**

  Create a mode with reduced blanking.  This allows for higher frequency signals, with a lower or equal dotclock. Not for Cathode Ray Tube based displays though.

## SEE ALSO

[xorg.conf(5)](/xorg.conf/5.md), [gtf(1)](/gtf/1.md)

## AUTHOR

Luc Verhaegen.

This program is based on the Coordinated Video Timing sample implementation written by Graham Loveridge. This file is publicly available at \<http://www.vesa.org/Public/CVT/CVTd6r1.xls\>. CVT is a VESA trademark.