๐ผ Measure Duration Calculator
For compound meters (like 6/8), use the number of beats actually felt.
Enter the BPM (tempo), beats per measure, and number of measures to calculate how long that passage takes to play. Useful for structuring a song or timing music to match video length.
How to use
- Enter the number of measures.
- Enter the beats per measure (4 for 4/4 time).
- Enter the BPM (tempo).
- The duration is calculated automatically.
How the calculation works
From a tempo, the beats per bar and a number of bars, this tool calculates how long that passage takes to play. Duration (seconds) = bars ร beats per bar ร 60 รท BPM The result is shown as minutes:seconds and in seconds. Use it to fit music to a video, check the length of an intro or solo, or plan a set within a time slot. For compound time such as 6/8, if the BPM counts dotted quarter notes, enter 2 beats per bar.
Worked example
4/4, 120 BPM, 32 bars 32 ร 4 ร 60 รท 120 = 64 s โ 1:04.00 3/4, 90 BPM, 48 bars 48 ร 3 ร 60 รท 90 = 96 s โ 1:36.00 To fit 16 bars of 4/4 into a 30-second ad BPM = 16 ร 4 ร 60 รท 30 = 128
Things to be aware of
- If the tempo or time signature changes, calculate each section separately and add them up.
- Ritardandos (slowing down) and fermatas (held notes) are not included.
- One beat lasts 60 รท BPM seconds (0.5 s at 120 BPM).
FAQ
What formula does this use?
Duration (seconds) = measures ร beats per measure ร 60 รท BPM โ a simple formula.
How do I decide beats per measure?
For simple time signatures like 4/4 or 3/4, use the top number of the time signature directly. For compound time signatures like 6/8, use the number of beats actually felt (usually 2).
How do I find out how long a 32-measure intro is?
Enter 32 for measures, the appropriate value for beats per measure based on your time signature, and the songโs BPM โ the introโs duration is calculated.