Metronome
Free Online Metronome — Precise Web Audio Timing
Set your tempo and keep perfect time. Works in any browser — no download, no plugins. Press Space to start/stop; use ↑ / ↓ to nudge the BPM.
Space start/stop · ↑↓ ±1 BPM
What is an Online Metronome & Why Use One?
A metronome is a device — or in this case a web app — that produces a steady click at a set tempo, measured in BPM (beats per minute). Musicians and producers use metronomes to develop rhythmic precision, record to a click track, and synchronise performances. The word "metronome" comes from Greek: metron (measure) + nomos (law). Read the full history on Wikipedia.
Our free online metronome uses the Web Audio API for sample-accurate timing — far more precise than a typical JavaScript metronome that relies on setTimeout alone. Because everything runs in your browser, there is nothing to download or install. It works on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
How to Use This Online Metronome
- Set your BPM — use the slider, type a number into the input, or click one of the tempo preset buttons (Largo, Adagio, Andante, Moderato, Allegro, Presto).
- Choose a time signature — 4/4 is standard for most pop and electronic music; 3/4 for waltz; 6/8 for compound time. The first beat of each bar plays a higher-pitched accent click.
- Click Start (or press Space) — the metronome begins ticking and the beat-indicator dots light up in sync with the audio.
- Nudge tempo in real time — use the + and − buttons, the ↑↓ arrow keys, or drag the slider to adjust BPM without stopping.
Tempo Markings — Complete Guide
Classical composers use Italian tempo markings to indicate how fast a piece should be played. Here is a complete reference:
- Larghissimo: below 24 BPM — extremely slow
- Grave: 25–45 BPM — solemn and slow
- Largo: 40–60 BPM — very slow and broad
- Larghetto: 60–66 BPM — rather broadly
- Adagio: 66–76 BPM — slow and stately
- Andante: 76–108 BPM — at a walking pace
- Moderato: 108–120 BPM — moderate speed
- Allegretto: 112–120 BPM — slightly slower than allegro
- Allegro: 120–156 BPM — fast and bright
- Vivace: 156–176 BPM — lively and fast
- Presto: 168–200 BPM — very fast
- Prestissimo: above 200 BPM — extremely fast
Time Signatures Explained
The time signature tells you how many beats are in each bar and what note value counts as one beat. Our metronome supports the four most common time signatures:
- 4/4 (common time): Four quarter-note beats per bar. Used in most pop, rock, house, techno, and hip-hop. The downbeat (beat 1) is accented.
- 3/4 (waltz time): Three quarter-note beats per bar. The strong downbeat gives the characteristic "ONE-two-three" feel of a waltz or minuet.
- 2/4 (march time): Two quarter-note beats per bar. Common in marches, polkas, and some folk music.
- 6/8 (compound duple): Six eighth-note beats grouped in two sets of three, creating a lilting, triplet feel. Common in Irish folk, some blues, and ballads.
Once you know your target tempo, use our BPM Tapper to measure any song by ear, or the BPM and Key Finder to analyse an audio file automatically. For a deep dive into time signatures and rhythm theory, Wikipedia's Time Signature article is a great reference.
Online Metronome — Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, completely free. No sign-up, no download, no subscription. The metronome runs entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. You can use it as many times as you like on any device.
Browser audio scheduling can be affected by device power-saving modes (especially on mobile), heavy CPU load from other tabs, or low-latency audio drivers. For the most accurate timing, close other tabs, keep your device plugged in, and use wired headphones or monitors rather than Bluetooth speakers (which add latency).
Start at 60–70 % of your target tempo to build accuracy before speed. For example, if you want to play a piece at 160 BPM, begin practising at 100–110 BPM. Increase by 5 BPM increments only when you can play the passage cleanly at the current tempo.
4/4 time has four beats per bar, with the first beat accented. It is the most common time signature in Western music. 3/4 time has three beats per bar (the classic waltz feel). This metronome plays a higher-pitched click on beat 1 so you can always hear the downbeat.
Set the metronome to a slow, comfortable tempo — slow enough that you make no mistakes. Play the passage three times without errors, then increase the BPM by 5. Repeat. This gradual increase builds "muscle memory" and trains your rhythmic accuracy far more effectively than practising at full tempo with mistakes.
Related Free Tools
- BPM Tapper — tap to the beat of any song to instantly measure its tempo.
- BPM and Key Finder — upload an audio file to detect BPM, musical key, and Camelot notation.
- DJ Set Planner — analyse a full library and generate a harmonically mixed set list in seconds.
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