Q&A for How to Calculate the Beats Per Minute (BPM) of a Song

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How do I set the metronome if a piece is written in four time?

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If you're using a digital metronome, you should be able to punch in a beat count of "4". Mechanical metronomes typically have a bar in the back that you can slide to the appropriate beat setting. You'll also need to select the appropriate BPM for the song on the metronome.

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What is the best way to learn time signature rhythm beats when playing the piano?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

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If you're reading music, look for the time signature at the beginning of the score. The number on top tells you how many beats are in a measure, while the number on the bottom tells you what kind of note is worth 1 beat. For example, in 4/4, there are 4 beats per measure, while each beat is 1 quarter note. Practice counting along with the beats as you play.

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I don't understand, what is BPM exactly?

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BPMs or beats per minute is a way of measuring the tempo of a song. There is a range of numbers of BPM from adagio/largo to allegro/presto. A metronome will help you set a BPM to the correct time and keep it consistent with your playing.

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Question

How many BPM are in adagio, allegro, and presto?

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Adagio, allegro, and presto are more like ranges. In each category, a song can be going a certain speed, and have a slower feel, and be allegro. If it had a rushed feel, it would be presto. Those terms generally have to do with the intensity of a song. Presto generally is the fastest.

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Question

How many BPM are in a song?

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The BPM of a song depends on the song, as faster songs will have more beats per minute than slower songs.

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How can I find the beats per second?

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Divide the beats per minute by 60, and that's it! There are 60 seconds in a minute, so just divide by 60.

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