How do I find the BPM of a song?
Short answer
Tap along to the beat for 15 to 30 seconds with a tap-tempo tool, or count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four. BPM means beats per minute, so 30 beats in 15 seconds is 120 BPM. Check the chorus too, and watch for readings that are half or double the real tempo.
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Explanation
Tempo is the speed of the beat, written in beats per minute. In most pop songs the beat you clap along to is the quarter note in 4/4 time.
Counting for a longer stretch is more accurate: 15 seconds × 4 is quick, while 30 seconds × 2 smooths out small timing errors.
Detectors and tapping can lock onto half or double the tempo, so a song that feels like 140 BPM may show as 70. Clap along and check which number matches the pulse you feel.
| Beats in 15 s | BPM | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | 72 | Slow ballad |
| 22 | 88 | Relaxed mid-tempo |
| 25 | 100 | Moderate |
| 30 | 120 | Common dance-pop pace |
| 35 | 140 | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Does changing the key change the BPM?
Not with tempo-compensated pitch shifting. MR Maker's key change keeps the original tempo while moving the pitch.
Why does an app show 70 when the song feels like 140?
It locked onto every other beat (half time). Both numbers describe the same song; use the one that matches how you count it.
Does MR Maker change the tempo of a song?
No. MR Maker reduces vocals and can change the key from -6 to +6 semitones; it does not offer tempo changes.
Make a backing track from your own file
Upload an audio file you are authorized to use (MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, AAC, OGG or MP4, up to 50MB). Conversion costs 1, 2 or 3 credits for low, medium or high quality; changing the key adds 1 credit.
Upload a songRelated guides
Sources
Each source was opened and checked on the date shown.
- Tempo — Wikipedia (checked )
- Measures and Time Signature — musictheory.net (checked )