A free online metronome from 20 to 300 BPM, with 1 to 12 beats per bar, an accent on the first beat, subdivisions and three click sounds. The dots light up in time with the sound, so you can follow the beat with your eyes too.
The click is generated on your device and scheduled on the browser's audio clock, so the tempo never drifts. No app, no download, no account.
How to use it
- Type the BPM into the big number, drag the slider or use −5 −1 +1 +5. Don't know the tempo? Hit Tap in time with the song.
- Choose a time signature (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8 or 1 to 12 beats) and, if you like, a subdivision.
- Press Play or the space bar. The screen stays on while it plays.
- Adjust the sound and volume until the click cuts through your instrument.
Tempo markings and BPM chart
The Italian tempo markings in sheet music indicate a range, not an exact number. The name appears under the BPM:
Largo: up to 59 BPM
Adagio: 60 to 75
Andante: 76 to 107
Moderato: 108 to 119
Allegro: 120 to 155
Vivace: 156 to 175
Presto: 176 and up
How to practice with a metronome
Start at a tempo where you can play the passage all the way through without mistakes, even if it feels too slow. After three clean runs in a row, go up 4 BPM; after two mistakes, drop back 8. Write down the day's BPM to see your progress over the week.
Time signatures and subdivisions
The time signature tells you how many beats are in each bar (measure); the first one is accented. 4/4 is the time of most pop, rock and country, 3/4 is waltz time and 2/4 drives marches and polkas. 6/8 moves in two pulses of three eighth notes (quavers): the shortcut sets 2 beats with triplets, and the BPM counts the dotted quarter note (dotted crotchet).
A subdivision splits each beat into 2, 3 or 4 softer clicks, which helps with fast passages and with very slow tempos.
Tips
- If the click gets lost in the band, switch to the beep or use wired headphones.
- To practice swing, set the metronome to half the BPM and feel the clicks on beats 2 and 4.
- Record yourself playing with the click: the recording reveals what you miss in the moment.
- Before you practice, check your tuning with the online tuner.
Frequently asked questions
What BPM should a beginner start at?
60 BPM is a good start. For guitar chord changes, begin between 50 and 60 and go up 4 BPM at a time once it sounds clean.
How do I set a 3/4 or 6/8 time signature?
Tap 3/4 or 6/8 under Common time signatures. The top number is how many beats are in a bar; the bottom one is the note value that gets one beat (4 is the quarter note, or crotchet; 8 is the eighth note, or quaver).
What is the difference between 6/8 and 3/4?
Both hold six eighth notes per bar, but 3/4 groups them into three beats of two (ONE-and-two-and-three-and), while 6/8 groups them into two beats of three (ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six). That is why the 6/8 shortcut uses 2 beats with triplets.
How does tap tempo work?
Hit Tap in time with the music at least four times: the metronome averages the last four intervals. Pause for more than 3 seconds and the count starts over. On a computer, the T key works too.
Will the metronome keep playing with the screen locked?
While it plays, it keeps the screen on. With the screen locked it depends on the device: on Android with Chrome the sound usually keeps going; on iPhone, Safari may pause the page.
Does the metronome lag on my phone?
The tempo doesn't: the clicks are scheduled ahead of time and the interval between them is exact. There is only a fixed output delay, longer on Bluetooth headphones (0.2 s or more), which the dots compensate for. To play along, use the speaker or wired headphones.
Is 120 BPM fast?
It is a lively medium tempo: two beats per second, the bottom of the Allegro range and the pace of a lot of pop and dance music. Slow ballads sit around 60 to 80 BPM, and fast punk or bebop goes past 180.