Online Metronome
Use this free online metronome with precise BPM control, tap tempo, time signatures, accents and a minute-and-second countdown timer.
Practice with a steady, useful tempo
A metronome is most effective when it supports a clear musical goal. Use the controls above to choose a comfortable tempo, hear the structure of each measure, and keep practice sessions focused.
Choose a BPM you can control
Start slowly enough to play every note with accurate timing and relaxed technique. The BPM number, plus and minus buttons, slider, and Tap Tempo all control the same tempo. Once a passage feels consistent for several repetitions, raise the BPM in small steps. If accuracy drops, return to the last comfortable setting instead of forcing the faster tempo.
Use meter and accents to feel each measure
Use the minus and plus buttons to change the number of beats one step at a time, or click the beat value to enter any count from 1 to 32. Enabling the first-beat accent makes the beginning of every measure easier to hear. Turn the accent off when you want to test whether you can maintain the grouping without an extra cue.
Build focused practice blocks
Set the countdown in minutes and seconds when you want to work on one exercise for a fixed period. The timer can be paused and resumed, and stopping it restores the original duration. When the countdown reaches zero, the metronome stops automatically so you can review your progress, rest briefly, and begin another deliberate practice block.
Tempo markings and BPM
BPM means beats per minute: at 60 BPM, the click sounds once each second. Italian tempo words describe a musical character as well as a general speed. Use the ranges below as starting points, then follow the score and your ear.
| Marking | Feel | Approx. BPM | Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largo | Broad and slow | 40-60 | 50 BPM |
| Adagio | Slow and unhurried | 60-76 | 70 BPM |
| Andante | Walking pace | 76-108 | 90 BPM |
| Moderato | Moderate movement | 108-120 | 110 BPM |
| Allegro | Quick and bright | 120-168 | 140 BPM |
| Vivace | Lively and brisk | 156-176 | 160 BPM |
| Presto | Very fast | 168-200 | 180 BPM |
| Prestissimo | Extremely fast | 200-240 | 220 BPM |
These ranges overlap and are not fixed rules. A printed metronome marking gives a more precise target than a tempo word.
Browse all BPMs from 1 to 240Time signatures and grouping
The top number counts the written note units in a measure; the bottom number names that note value. This metronome clicks once per written unit at the displayed BPM. Grouping changes where the stronger clicks fall. In 6/8, for example, six eighth-note clicks form two groups of three.
| Time signature | Common grouping | Meter |
|---|---|---|
| 2/4 | Straight | Simple duple |
| 3/4 | Straight | Simple triple |
| 4/4 | 2 + 2 | Simple quadruple |
| 5/4 | 3 + 2 | Uneven meter |
| 6/4 | 3 + 3 | Compound duple |
| 7/4 | 3 + 2 + 2 | Uneven meter |
| 3/8 | Straight | Simple triple |
| 5/8 | 3 + 2 | Uneven meter |
| 6/8 | 3 + 3 | Compound duple |
| 7/8 | 2 + 2 + 3 | Uneven meter |
| 9/8 | 3 + 3 + 3 | Compound triple |
| 11/8 | 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 | Uneven meter |
| 12/8 | 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 | Compound quadruple |
| 5/16 | 3 + 2 | Uneven meter |
| 6/16 | 3 + 3 | Compound duple |
| 7/16 | 2 + 2 + 3 | Uneven meter |
| 9/16 | 3 + 3 + 3 | Compound triple |
| 12/16 | 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 | Compound quadruple |
Open a time signature to hear it. With Accent First Beat on, the first click is strongest and later group starts get a lighter accent.
Read the time signature guideMetronome Q&A
How should I choose a practice BPM?
Choose a speed at which you can play the whole passage accurately and without tightening up. A slow click gives you time to notice uneven notes and rushed transitions.
After several clean repetitions, raise the tempo a little and test the same passage again. If it falls apart, return to the last comfortable BPM before moving on.
Try a slow 60 BPM pulseWhy do 3/4 and 6/8 feel different?
3/4 has three quarter-note beats in a bar. A typical 6/8 bar contains six eighth notes felt as two groups of three, so its larger pulse falls in a different place.
On this tool, 6/8 plays six clicks per bar. Choose 3 + 3 and turn on the accent to hear the two groups while all six clicks continue.
Hear the 6/8 groupingWhat does Accent First Beat change?
In Simple mode it makes the first click of each bar stronger. In Professional mode it also gives a softer accent to the first click of each later group.
Try an uneven grouping such as 2 + 2 + 3, then switch the accent off. The click spacing stays the same; only the cues for the groups disappear.
Try 7/8 with grouped accents