Need delay, sidechain, or reverb times that lock to a track? Convert a tempo above, then copy any note length. This BPM to milliseconds converter is part of the audio tools on TechOpt.io.
How to convert BPM to milliseconds
One minute is 60,000 milliseconds. A quarter note is one beat, so divide that minute by the tempo (tempo in BPM):
ms per 1/4 note = 60,000 ÷ BPM
At 120 BPM that is 500 ms per beat. Halve it for an eighth note (250 ms), double it for a half note (1,000 ms). The table above applies those ratios for every common note value.
Straight, dotted, and triplet note lengths
A straight note is the unmarked duration. A dotted note lasts 1.5× that (a dotted eighth at 120 BPM is 375 ms). A triplet fits three notes in the time of two, so it is 2/3 of the straight value (an eighth-note triplet at 120 BPM is 166.67 ms). Delay plugins often label these 1/8 D and 1/8 T.
Hertz is the matching LFO rate: 1000 ÷ milliseconds. A quarter note at 120 BPM is 2 Hz — one cycle per beat.
Delay, sidechain, reverb, and LFO uses
Paste the millisecond value into any plugin that does not sync to host tempo: analog-style delays, rack units, and many stock effects that only expose a time knob. A dotted-eighth delay at 120 BPM is 375 ms; a straight eighth at 128 BPM is 234.38 ms.
The same numbers set compressor attack and release when you are sidechaining a bass to a kick, reverb pre-delay so the tail sits on a subdivision, and LFO rates for filters or auto-pan that should cycle in time with the beat.
Common BPM delay times
| BPM | 1/4 | 1/8 | 1/8 dotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 1000 ms | 500 ms | 750 ms |
| 90 | 666.67 ms | 333.33 ms | 500 ms |
| 120 | 500 ms | 250 ms | 375 ms |
| 128 | 468.75 ms | 234.38 ms | 351.56 ms |
| 140 | 428.57 ms | 214.29 ms | 321.43 ms |
| 174 | 344.83 ms | 172.41 ms | 258.62 ms |
FAQ
How do I convert BPM to milliseconds?
Divide 60,000 by the tempo. That is one quarter note (one beat) in milliseconds. At 120 BPM, 60,000 ÷ 120 = 500 ms. Halve that for an eighth note (250 ms), double it for a half note (1,000 ms). Dotted notes are 1.5× the straight value; triplets are 2/3.
What is a dotted note vs a triplet?
A dotted note lasts one and a half times the straight note (a dotted eighth at 120 BPM is 375 ms). A triplet fits three notes in the time of two, so it is 2/3 of the straight value (an eighth-note triplet at 120 BPM is 166.67 ms). Delay plugins often label these 1/8 D and 1/8 T.
How do I set a delay time from BPM?
If the plugin does not sync to host tempo, switch it to milliseconds and paste the matching note length. A dotted-eighth delay at 120 BPM is 375 ms; a straight eighth at 128 BPM is 234.38 ms. The same numbers work for analog or rack delays that only take a time knob.
How does tap tempo work?
Click Tap tempo in time with the beat. The converter averages the last few gaps (up to eight) and fills the BPM field. A pause longer than two seconds starts a new series, so you can re-tap if the first hits were off.
What Hz value should I use for an LFO?
Frequency in hertz is 1000 ÷ milliseconds. A quarter note at 120 BPM is 500 ms, which is 2 Hz. Use that rate when an LFO or auto-pan should cycle once per beat; use the 1/8 Hz value for twice-per-beat wobble.
Does this BPM to milliseconds converter upload my tempo?
No. It runs entirely in your browser. The tempo you enter never leaves your machine.
Looking for more production how-tos? Browse the music production guides or the rest of the tools.