What is a BPM to Milliseconds Calculator?
A BPM to milliseconds calculator converts musical tempo into exact time values for different note durations. By entering a BPM value, you get precise millisecond timings for all standard note values (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128) — including dotted and triplet variations.
Why Convert BPM to Milliseconds?
- Delay and Echo Effects: Set delay times in your DAW to match the exact tempo of your track, creating rhythmic delays that sit perfectly in the mix.
- Reverb Pre-Delay: Calculate the ideal pre-delay time so reverb tails don't clash with the next beat, keeping your mix clean and spacious.
- Sidechain Compression: Time your sidechain release to note values for a pumping effect that locks to the groove.
- LFO and Modulation Sync: Manually set LFO rates on synths and effects when tempo sync isn't available.
- Video and Audio Editing: Align visual cuts and transitions to musical beats for professional music videos and visualizers.
How It Works
- Step 1: Enter the BPM (beats per minute) of your track.
- Step 2: The calculator converts BPM to milliseconds using the formula: quarter note (ms) = 60,000 / BPM.
- Step 3: Other note values are derived from the quarter note (1/4) — a whole note (1/1) is 4x, a half note (1/2) is 2x, an eighth note (1/8) is 0.5x, a sixteenth note (1/16) is 0.25x, and so on for 1/32, 1/64, and 1/128.
- Step 4: Dotted notes multiply the value by 1.5, and triplet notes multiply by 2/3.
- Step 5: Copy the values you need into your DAW's delay, reverb, or effect settings.
Common BPM Reference
- 60-80 BPM: Ballads, downtempo, lo-fi hip hop
- 80-100 BPM: Hip hop, R&B, reggae
- 100-120 BPM: Pop, deep house, indie
- 120-140 BPM: House, techno, EDM
- 140-170 BPM: Drum and bass, dubstep, trap
Whether you're producing music, mixing live, or editing video, the BPM calculator helps you dial in precise timing values that keep everything locked to the rhythm of your track.