How to use tap tempo
- Play the song you want to measure, on any device.
- Tap the big button, or press the space bar, on every beat. The kick and snare are the easiest thing to follow.
- Keep going for two to four bars. The average settles as you tap.
- If the number feels twice too fast or slow, switch to Half time or Double time.
How the BPM is worked out
BPM means beats per minute. Each tap is timed to the millisecond, and the average gap between taps gives the tempo: a gap of 0.5 seconds is 120 BPM, because 60 divided by 0.5 is 120. The main number uses the time from your first tap to your last divided by the number of gaps, so a single early or late tap barely moves it. The smaller “last 4 taps” number reacts quickly, which helps you notice a song that speeds up or slows down.
Nobody taps perfectly in time, but the mistakes average out. Over 16 taps, being off by 20 milliseconds here and there changes the result by a fraction of a BPM.
Tips for an accurate tap tempo
- Tap on the beat you’d nod your head to, not on every hi-hat.
- Start tapping after the intro, once the drums are in, and keep going through a whole section.
- If you get a number like 139 or 141 on an electronic track, it’s probably 140. Music made in a DAW is usually set to a whole number.
- Live recordings drift. Watch the last 4 taps number to see how much.
Made a beat at that tempo? Put your name on it with a free producer tag.
FAQ
How does tap tempo work?
Tap the button or press the space bar on every beat. After two taps you get a BPM. The big number is the average over all your taps, so it gets steadier the longer you keep going. Stop for three seconds, or press Reset, to start over.
How many times should I tap?
Eight to sixteen taps, so two to four bars, is usually enough for a number you can trust. If the average and the last 4 taps agree, you’re there.
Why is my BPM half or double what I expected?
You may be tapping every other beat, or tapping eighth notes. Both are common with trap, drill and dubstep, which are often felt at half time. Use Half time or Double time to switch the reading without tapping again.
Can I use the space bar?
Yes. Press the space bar anywhere on the page to tap, and Esc to reset. Typing in a text box won’t count as a tap.
Can it find the BPM of a song file?
This page counts what you tap, so it needs no file. If you have the song as an MP3, WAV or M4A, the BPM finder works the tempo out for you, along with the key.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. Tap the big button with your thumb. It reacts the moment your finger lands, not when you lift it, so it stays in time.