How do I calculate note duration from BPM?

Quarter note duration (ms) = 60,000 / BPM. At 120 BPM: 60,000 / 120 = 500ms per quarter note. Multiply by 2 for half notes, divide by 2 for eighth notes. Dotted notes are 1.5× the straight value. Triplets are 2/3 of the straight value.

Why do I need note durations in milliseconds?

Many audio effects (delay, reverb pre-delay, LFO rate, gate timing) are set in milliseconds. To sync these effects to the tempo of your music, you need the exact millisecond value for each note division. This ensures effects groove with the music rather than fighting it.

What is a dotted note?

A dotted note lasts 1.5 times as long as a regular note. A dotted eighth note = eighth note + sixteenth note = 1.5 × eighth note. Dotted eighth note delays are extremely popular — they create the rhythmic delay sound heard in countless pop and rock recordings.

A triplet divides a beat into three equal parts instead of two. A triplet quarter note is 2/3 the length of a regular quarter note. Triplets create a swinging, rolling feel and are fundamental to jazz, blues, shuffle and many dance music styles.

AudioCalcs

Tempo Calculator — BPM to Note Duration in Milliseconds

Convert BPM to note durations in milliseconds for delay, reverb and LFO.

BPM

How We Calculate This

Base Formula

Quarter note (ms) = 60,000 / BPM

Note Divisions

Whole = quarter × 4
Half = quarter × 2
Eighth = quarter / 2
Sixteenth = quarter / 4
Dotted = straight × 1.5
Triplet = straight × 2/3

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

BPM Calculator

Tap to detect BPM or convert between beats per minute and milliseconds per beat. Free online tempo detection tool for musicians and DJs.

Key Transposition Calculator

Transpose chords and notes between any musical keys instantly. Free online key transposition calculator for musicians and producers.

Interval Calculator

Find the musical interval between any two notes with semitone count, frequency ratio and cents. Free interval calculator for musicians.

Chord Calculator

Build chords from any root note and view the notes, intervals and frequency ratios. Free online chord building calculator for musicians.

Scale Calculator

Generate musical scales from any root note including major, minor, pentatonic, blues and modal scales. Free online scale calculator.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard formulas. Always verify results for critical applications.