Metronome

Allegro · Press Space to start/stop

1
2
3
4
120 BPM
20 160 300

Time Signature

Volume

70%

About This Metronome

  • 🎵 Uses Web Audio API for sample-accurate timing — no drift at any BPM
  • 🔴 Beat 1 is always accented with a higher pitch and red indicator
  • ⌨️ Press Space to toggle play/stop
  • 👆 Tap Tap Tempo repeatedly to set BPM by feel
  • 🎼 Supports 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, and 6/8 time signatures

What Is an Online Metronome?

An online metronome produces a steady click or beat at a set tempo measured in BPM (beats per minute), helping musicians practise at a consistent speed. This tool uses the Web Audio API to schedule beats with sample-accurate timing — meaning no drift, even at very high or very low tempos.

Unlike many browser-based metronomes that use setInterval (which drifts), this metronome schedules audio clicks ahead of time for rock-solid precision. Beat 1 of every bar is accented with a higher pitch so you always know where you are in the bar.

How to Use the Online Metronome

  1. Set your BPM using the −/+ buttons, the number input, or the slider. Range: 20–300 BPM.
  2. Choose a time signature: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, or 6/8. The beat indicators update automatically.
  3. Press Play or hit Space on your keyboard to start the metronome.
  4. Use Tap Tempo to set BPM by feel — tap the button repeatedly in time with your music, and the BPM is calculated from your taps.
  5. Adjust the volume slider to suit your practice environment.
  6. Press Stop or Space again to pause.

Who Uses a Metronome?

  • Beginner musicians — A metronome teaches consistent timing from day one. Practising with a click prevents bad habits like rushing or slowing down in difficult passages.
  • Guitar, piano, and drum students — Scales, chord changes, and rudiments all benefit from slow, accurate repetition at a fixed tempo before gradually increasing speed.
  • Singers and vocalists — Vocalists use a metronome to nail rhythmic accuracy in melodies, phrasing, and sight-reading exercises.
  • Music teachers — Teachers use shared online metronomes in lessons to demonstrate tempo, count in students, and set a consistent practice speed for homework.
  • Composers and producers — Setting a precise BPM is the starting point for any DAW project. A metronome helps lock in tempo before recording begins.
  • Dancers and choreographers — Choreography is often mapped to a specific BPM. A metronome helps verify tempo and keep rehearsals consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does BPM mean?

BPM stands for beats per minute — the number of beats the metronome clicks in one minute. A BPM of 60 means one click per second. Higher BPM means a faster tempo; lower BPM means slower.

What tempo markings correspond to which BPM ranges?

Common Italian tempo markings: Grave (<40), Largo (40–59), Adagio (60–75), Andante (76–107), Moderato (108–119), Allegro (120–155), Vivace (156–175), Presto (176–199), Prestissimo (200+). This metronome displays the label automatically as you adjust BPM.

How does tap tempo work?

Click the Tap Tempo button repeatedly in time with a song or your own sense of rhythm. The metronome averages the time between your last 8 taps and sets the BPM accordingly. Taps reset automatically after 3 seconds of inactivity.

Why is beat 1 a different sound?

Beat 1 (the downbeat) is accented with a higher-pitched click and a red indicator. This helps you instantly locate where you are in the bar, which is especially useful in compound metres like 6/8 or unusual signatures like 5/4.

What time signatures are supported?

This metronome supports 2/4 (march, polka), 3/4 (waltz), 4/4 (common time — most pop and rock), 5/4 (odd meter — e.g. "Take Five"), and 6/8 (compound duple — jig, many ballads).

Is this metronome accurate enough for professional practice?

Yes. It uses the Web Audio API's internal clock, which runs independently of the JavaScript event loop. Beats are scheduled ahead of time to prevent the drift that affects setInterval-based metronomes — making it suitable for serious practice at any tempo.

Can I use this metronome on mobile?

Yes. The metronome works on iOS and Android browsers. On iOS, you may need to tap the Play button once to unlock the audio context (a browser security requirement). After that first tap, playback is reliable.