Convert a tempo into delay and reverb timing. One beat at BPM = 60000 / BPM milliseconds.
Calculation details
Planning estimate only, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Verify assumptions and current rules before making decisions.
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What does this calculator estimate?
At 120 BPM a quarter-note delay is 500 ms and eighth notes are 250 ms. Delay time = 60,000 / BPM per beat; note values divide that: eighth = half, sixteenth = quarter, triplet = third.
- Delay time per beat = 60,000 / BPM (Wikipedia).
- Dotted eighth = 0.75 of the quarter; triplet = one-third.
- Syncing delay to the beat keeps repeats in time with the music.
How delay timing works
Delay and echo effects sound musical when their time matches the song's beat grid. The beat length in milliseconds is 60,000 ÷ BPM; note divisions (eighth, dotted eighth, triplet) are simple fractions of that. The calculator gives each value.
Limitations to watch for
The tempo must match the song's actual BPM — tap it out or use the DAW's tempo. Dotted values are the classic for rhythmic delays. Human-perceived timing varies slightly at extremes.
How to use it in practice
Set the song's BPM, read the millisecond value for the note you want, and dial it into the delay pedal or plugin. Dotted-eighth delays (¾ of a beat) are the go-to rhythmic setting.
["Enter the song's BPM.", 'Read the ms for each note value.', 'Set the delay to the target note.']
The delay formula
Delay time in ms = 60,000 ÷ BPM for a quarter note. At 120 BPM, a quarter note is 500 ms; eighth notes are 250 ms; dotted eighths are 375 ms. The calculator returns the standard note values for any tempo.
Why delays lock to tempo
A delay timed to the beat repeats in rhythm, reinforcing the groove. Off-time delays smear the beat and muddy the mix. Producers set delay, reverb predelay, and sidechain times from the same formula.
Dotted and triplet values
Dotted eighths (the 'U2 delay') are 1.5× the eighth: 375 ms at 120 BPM. Triplet eighths are 2/3 of a quarter: about 333 ms. The calculator covers the full family so any rhythmic feel is available.
A worked example
At 100 BPM: quarter 600 ms, eighth 300 ms, dotted eighth 450 ms, triplet 400 ms. At 140 BPM: quarter ≈ 429 ms. The calculator converts any BPM instantly, including decimals for drifting tempos.
Using the numbers in a mix
Set the delay time, then check it against the track: if it sounds rushed or lagging, the tempo may have drifted — re-measure the actual BPM and recalculate. The calculator's instant conversion makes the fix painless.
How this calculator works
Formula
Delay time = 60,000 ÷ BPM per beat. Note values divide that: quarter = 1 beat, eighth = ½, dotted eighth = ¾, sixteenth = ¼, triplet = ⅓.
Worked example
At 120 BPM, a quarter-note delay is 500 ms; eighth notes are 250 ms.
Assumptions to verify
- The BPM is accurate for the song.
- Standard note divisions apply.
- The delay is set in milliseconds.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate delay time from BPM?
60,000 ÷ BPM: 120 BPM → 500 ms per quarter note.
What is the formula?
Milliseconds per beat = 60,000 ÷ BPM. Eighth = half, sixteenth = quarter, triplet = third.
What BPM is typical?
Pop/rock runs 90–140 BPM; hip-hop 70–100; the tool works for any.
What is a dotted eighth?
¾ of a beat — the classic rhythmic delay setting (e.g., 375 ms at 120 BPM).
How do I find the BPM of a song?
Tap along or use a DAW/phone app; the metronome tool can help set it.
Do I use quarter or dotted eighth?
Musical preference — quarters give a steady echo, dotted eighths a syncopated one.
Can I convert ms back to BPM?
Yes — BPM = 60,000 ÷ ms per beat.
How do I calculate delay time?
60,000 ÷ BPM for a quarter note; divide by 2 for eighths.
What is the dotted eighth formula?
60,000 ÷ BPM × 0.75 — the classic rhythmic delay.
Why does delay time matter?
Tempo-locked delays sit in the groove; off-time delays muddy it.
Do I need different times for different notes?
Yes — quarters, eighths, dotted eighths, and triplets all have distinct values.
Cite this tool
BoringToolsKit. “BPM to Delay Time Calculator.” boringtoolskit.com/bpm-to-delay-calculator/ (reviewed 2026-08-25). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
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