Music Duration Calculator

How Long Is a Note at a Given BPM?

Note duration in seconds depends on tempo (BPM), the note value, and whether the note is dotted or part of a triplet. At 120 BPM each quarter note lasts half a second.

Note Duration Formula

$$\text{duration} = \frac{60}{\text{BPM}} \times \frac{4}{\text{note value}} \times \text{modifier}$$

Use modifier 1 for straight notes, 1.5 for dotted notes, and 2/3 for triplets. Example: a dotted quarter at 120 BPM is $0.5 \times 1.5 = 0.75$ seconds.

Related tools: BPM Calculator and Note Frequency Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a quarter note at 120 BPM?

60 / 120 = 0.5 seconds, or 500 milliseconds.

What does a dotted note do?

A dotted note is 1.5 times the straight duration. A dotted eighth at 120 BPM lasts 0.375 seconds.

How do triplets change duration?

Three triplet notes fit in the time of two straight notes, so each triplet note is multiplied by 2/3.

Does time signature change this formula?

This calculator assumes a quarter-note beat. The note value fraction (4 / note value) converts other note types to that beat.

How long is a whole note at 90 BPM?

(60 / 90) × (4 / 1) = 2.667 seconds.

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How Long Is a Note at a Given BPM?

Note Duration Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

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