How to use the Online Metronome
- Set the tempo with the slider, the − / + buttons, or type a number. Or tap Tap tempo along to a song.
- Pick the beats per bar (like 4/4 or 3/4) and a subdivision if you want clicks between beats.
- Press Start or the Space bar. The dots show where you are in the bar.
- Use the ← and → keys to change the tempo by 1 BPM while it plays.
Tempo markings
| Name | Meaning | BPM (about) |
|---|---|---|
| Largo | Very slow, broad | 40–60 |
| Adagio | Slow | 66–76 |
| Andante | Walking pace | 76–108 |
| Moderato | Moderate | 108–120 |
| Allegro | Fast, lively | 120–156 |
| Vivace | Very lively | 156–176 |
| Presto | Very fast | 168–200 |
Practice tips
- Learn a hard passage slowly first, at a tempo where you play it perfectly, then raise the tempo 4–5 BPM at a time.
- Set the click on beats 2 and 4 only (half-time feel) to build a strong internal pulse for jazz and pop.
- Subdivide: eighth-note or triplet clicks help you place notes accurately between the beats.
Why browser metronomes can drift, and why this one doesn't
Many online metronomes use JavaScript timers, which can lag by tens of milliseconds when the computer is busy or the tab is in the background. This one schedules every click ahead of time on the Web Audio clock, the same sample-accurate clock that plays the sound, so the beat stays steady.
Frequently asked questions
What tempo range does it support?
From 20 to 300 beats per minute.
Does it work in the background?
Yes, while the tab stays open. Clicks are scheduled ahead on the audio clock, so a busy computer won't throw off the timing.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. If you hear nothing on iPhone, switch off silent mode with the side switch: iOS mutes web audio in silent mode.
How does tap tempo work?
Tap the button (or press T) at least twice in time with the music. The tempo is the average of your last few taps.
Updated