How to use the online metronome
- Set the tempo with the slider, the buttons, or by typing a number.
- Pick the beats in a bar, like 4 for 4/4 or 3 for 3/4.
- Press Start, or the space bar.
- Tap the Tap tempo button in time with a song to find its tempo.
How it works
The metronome books each click a moment ahead on your browser’s audio clock. That keeps the beat steady, even when the page is busy.
The dots light up with the clicks you hear. With the accent on, the first beat of each bar clicks higher.
Tempo names
BPM means beats per minute. Music often names a speed with an Italian word, and these are the usual ranges.
- Grave, 30 to 39: very slow and heavy
- Largo, 40 to 59: slow and broad
- Larghetto, 60 to 65: a little less slow
- Adagio, 66 to 75: slow and calm
- Andante, 76 to 107: at a walking pace
- Moderato, 108 to 119: at a medium pace
- Allegro, 120 to 155: quick and bright
- Vivace, 156 to 175: lively and fast
- Presto, 176 to 199: very fast
- Prestissimo, 200 to 300: as fast as it gets
Practice tips
- Start slow. Play a hard part at a tempo where you get it right every time. Then go up 4 or 5 BPM.
- Count out loud. Say the beat numbers along with the dots until the bar feels natural.
- Find a song’s tempo. Tap along with it on the Tap tempo button, and the metronome picks up its speed.
- Skip Bluetooth. Wireless headphones add a short delay, so wired ones or speakers keep the click on time.