BPM to Milliseconds Converter

Free tool to convert between BPM and milliseconds, calculate precise note durations for music production, effects timing, and sound design

Enter BPM (beats per minute):

Tempo Tools

Tap in rhythm to detect tempo...

Common Tempos

Millisecond values are rounded to the nearest whole number. All calculations are based on the standard quarter note = 1 beat.

Applications in Music Production

This calculator helps music producers create more musical and cohesive productions by providing precise millisecond values for various time-based audio processes:

Time-based Effects

Delays, reverbs, and echoes sync perfectly to your track's tempo

Modulation

LFO rates for tremolo, chorus, and flangers that follow your track's rhythm

Dynamics

Attack and release timings for compressors and gates timed to the beat

Sampling

Loop lengths and slice timings for perfectly quantized samples

Sidechain

Ducking release curves that follow the groove of your music

How to Use the BPM Calculator

BPM to MS Mode:
1. Enter your track's BPM or use the TAP TEMPO feature
2. View millisecond values for different note lengths
3. Click "Listen to Tempo" to hear a metronome at your BPM

MS to BPM Mode:
1. Switch to "MS to BPM" mode
2. Enter a millisecond value (e.g., from a delay plugin)
3. See the corresponding BPM and all related note timings

Common BPM Ranges

- Slow Tempo (Ballad): 60-80 BPM
- Medium Tempo (Pop): 90-120 BPM
- Dance Music: 120-130 BPM
- House Music: 120-130 BPM
- Techno/Trance: 130-150 BPM
- Drum & Bass: 160-180 BPM

Understanding BPM Calculation

BPM stands for "Beats Per Minute" and represents the tempo of music. Converting between BPM and milliseconds is a fundamental concept in music production and audio engineering.

The Math Behind BPM to MS Conversion

To convert BPM to milliseconds per beat:
MS = (60,000 / BPM)

For example, at 120 BPM:
60,000 / 120 = 500ms per quarter note

Note Value Calculations

After finding the quarter note value (1 beat), other note values can be calculated:
- Whole note (4 beats): Quarter note × 4
- Half note (2 beats): Quarter note × 2
- Eighth note (1/2 beat): Quarter note ÷ 2
- Sixteenth note (1/4 beat): Quarter note ÷ 4

Frequency Values (Hz)

Frequency values (Hz) represent cycles per second and are useful for setting LFO rates, oscillator frequencies, and filter modulations:

Example at 120 BPM:
- Quarter note: 2 Hz
- Eighth note: 4 Hz
- Sixteenth note: 8 Hz

Lower values create slower modulations while higher values create faster effects.

Dynamics Processing & Tempo-Sync

Tempo-synced dynamic processors create a more musical response. Use millisecond values from this calculator for your compressors, gates, and other processors.

Compressor Settings

Attack Times:
- Fast transients: 1-10ms
- Vocals: 10-20ms
- Rhythm guitar: 15-25ms
- Tempo-synced: Use 1/16 note value

Release Times:
- Standard: 50-250ms
- Tempo-synced: 1/8 or 1/4 note value

Sidechain Ducking

Release time is critical for creating a pumping effect that aligns with your track's groove:

- Subtle movement: 1/2 note value
- Standard EDM pump: 1/4 note value
- Aggressive effect: 1/8 note value

Attack time should be fast (1-5ms) for immediate ducking.

About This Tool

This BPM converter is a free online tool that helps music producers, DJs, and audio engineers convert between beats per minute and milliseconds. It's essential for setting precise delay times, LFO rates, and other time-based effects in music production.

The calculator provides values for whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, triplets, and dotted notes. Use the tap tempo feature to detect BPM from any song, or convert millisecond values back to BPM to sync effects with your track's tempo.