Online Metronome
At 120 BPM one beat lasts 0.5 seconds. At 60 BPM it lasts 1 second.
Shortcut: Space to start or stop.
How to use
- Set the tempo with the number box, the slider or the minus and plus buttons. You can also tap the Tap tempo button in time with the music.
- Choose how many beats are in a bar. The first beat of each bar gets a higher click when there are two or more.
- Press Start, or the space bar, to begin. Press it again to stop. Tempo changes take effect from the next beat.
How it works
One beat lasts 60 divided by the BPM, in seconds. At 120 BPM each beat is 0.5 seconds; at 60 BPM it is exactly one second.
Clicks are scheduled ahead of time on the Web Audio clock, which runs separately from the page. A short timer looks about 0.1 seconds ahead and books every click that falls in that window, so the timing does not depend on how busy the page is.
Tap tempo averages the gaps between your most recent taps (up to eight). A pause of more than two seconds starts a new measurement.
Tempo markings and BPM
These ranges are a common guide only. Different books and metronome makers draw the lines in different places, and the music itself matters more than the number.
| Marking | Approximate BPM |
|---|---|
| Grave | below 40 |
| Largo | 40 to 59 |
| Larghetto | 60 to 65 |
| Adagio | 66 to 75 |
| Andante | 76 to 107 |
| Moderato | 108 to 119 |
| Allegro | 120 to 167 |
| Presto | 168 to 199 |
| Prestissimo | 200 and above |
FAQ
Why is there no sound?
Check that your device is not muted and the volume is up. Browsers only allow sound after you press a button on the page, so the audio starts when you press Start. On some phones the silent switch also mutes web audio.
Does it keep playing in a background tab?
It depends on the browser. The clicks are booked in advance on the audio clock, but some browsers slow down timers in hidden tabs, which can cause gaps. Keep the tab visible for the steadiest timing.
How accurate is the timing?
Each click is placed on the audio hardware clock rather than fired by a page timer, so it does not drift with page activity. The flashing dots follow the same clock but can lag a frame behind the sound.
What does the tempo name mean?
Names such as Andante or Allegro are traditional Italian tempo markings. The tool shows a common approximate range for each, but sources and composers do not agree on exact numbers.