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BPM Calculator
Calculate ms per beat, note durations, delay times for producers, and samples per beat at any tempo. Enter BPM or milliseconds to get started.
Tempo Input
BPM
ms
Allegro moderato
Core Results
Milliseconds Per Beat
500.00
ms
ms per Bar (4/4)
2000.00 ms
Beats per Second
2.000 Hz
Seconds per Beat
0.500 s
Bars per Minute
30.00
Formula
ms/beat = 60000 / BPM
= 60000 / 120 = 500.00 ms
Note Durations at 120 BPM
| Note | Normal (ms) | Normal (Hz) | Dotted (ms) | Dotted (Hz) | Triplet (ms) | Triplet (Hz) |
|---|
Delay & Reverb Times at 120 BPM
Use these values for tempo-synced delay, reverb pre-delay, and other time-based effects.
| Note Value | Normal (ms) | Dotted (ms) | Triplet (ms) |
|---|
Samples per Note at 120 BPM
Number of audio samples for each note duration across common sample rates.
| Note | 44100 Hz | 48000 Hz | 88200 Hz | 96000 Hz |
|---|
Tempo Marking Reference
Grave
< 40 BPM
Largo
40 – 55 BPM
Adagio
55 – 76 BPM
Andante
76 – 92 BPM
Moderato
92 – 108 BPM
Allegro
108 – 132 BPM
Vivace
132 – 168 BPM
Presto
168 – 200 BPM
Prestissimo
> 200 BPM
How to Use the BPM Calculator
- Set your tempo — Enter a BPM value using the number input or drag the slider. You can also enter milliseconds per beat in the reverse field and the BPM will auto-calculate.
- Read the results — The calculator instantly shows ms per beat, ms per bar, beats per second (Hz), plus full note duration, delay time, and sample count tables.
- Copy or export — Click "Copy All Values" to copy results to your clipboard, or "Export CSV" to download a spreadsheet-ready file with all tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert BPM to milliseconds?
Divide 60,000 by the BPM. For example, 120 BPM = 60000 / 120 = 500 ms per beat. This gives you the duration of one quarter note at that tempo.
What is a dotted note duration?
A dotted note lasts 1.5 times the normal duration. A dotted quarter note at 120 BPM is 500 ms x 1.5 = 750 ms. Dotted notes add half the original value to the note length.
How do triplet durations work?
A triplet fits three notes into the space of two. The duration is 2/3 of the normal value. A triplet quarter note at 120 BPM is 500 ms x 2/3 = 333.33 ms.
Why do producers need delay time calculations?
Tempo-synced delays and reverb pre-delays sound more musical when they match the BPM of the track. Setting delay time to exact note durations (e.g., dotted eighth = 375 ms at 120 BPM) creates rhythmic echoes that reinforce the groove rather than clashing with it.
What are samples per beat used for?
In digital audio workstations, buffer sizes and loop lengths are measured in samples. Knowing the exact number of samples per beat at your project's sample rate (44100, 48000, etc.) helps with precise editing, loop slicing, and programming sample-accurate automation.
What are the standard tempo markings?
Classical tempo markings range from Grave (below 40 BPM) through Largo (40-55), Adagio (55-76), Andante (76-92), Moderato (92-108), Allegro (108-132), Vivace (132-168), Presto (168-200), to Prestissimo (above 200 BPM). These Italian terms give performers a general sense of speed and character.