About the BPM Detector
The tempo of a song, in beats per minute, is the number DJs, runners, dancers and producers want to know. This tool finds it from an audio file. It listens to a stretch of up to 90 seconds from the middle of the track, measures where the sound gets suddenly louder, and looks for the regular spacing between those moments. The result is the most likely tempo with a confidence level, plus the half and double tempo, because the same beat can feel twice as fast or half as slow. It works best on music with a steady beat. The file is analysed in your browser and is not uploaded.
Updated October 2026
How to use the BPM Detector
- 1Drop a song, beat or loop.
- 2Wait a few seconds while the file is analysed.
- 3Read the BPM and the confidence.
- 4Check the half and double tempo if the number feels off.
- 5Copy the BPM.
Understanding the result
The main number is the strongest repeating pulse in the track. The confidence shows how much stronger that pulse is than the others. High confidence means a clear, steady beat. Low confidence means the beat is unclear, or the track has no regular drums, or the tempo changes.
If the number is half of what you expected, try the double value, and the other way round. Producers and DJs treat 70 and 140 BPM as closely related tempos, and the choice depends on how the music is felt.
Electronic music with a drum machine gives the clearest answers, often exact to a tenth of a BPM. Live bands drift a little, so the answer is an average. Classical music and ambient tracks may produce a low confidence, which is honest: there is no steady pulse to measure. For a quick check, tap along with a metronome at the result and see whether it feels locked in.
Where BPM is used
- Matching songs when mixing as a DJ.
- Choosing music for a workout or a run.
- Setting the tempo in a music program for a sample.
- Dance classes picking suitable songs.
- Syncing video cuts to music.
Related tools
Set a steady click at that tempo with the Online Metronome, check your instrument with the Online Tuner and cut a loop with the Audio Trimmer. To change the speed use the Audio Speed Changer, and to make a loop repeat see the Audio Loop Maker. The BPM is a measured estimate and may differ from a song's official tempo.
Features
- Tempo in beats per minute
- Confidence level
- Half and double tempo shown
- Other candidate tempos
- Works on MP3, M4A, WAV, OGG and FLAC
- No upload
Frequently asked questions
How does BPM detection work?
The program measures how the loudness changes over time, picks out the sudden rises, and looks for the spacing at which they repeat most strongly. That spacing is the beat.
Why is my result half or double the real tempo?
A beat can be felt in two ways, for example 70 or 140 BPM. The tool shows both so you can choose the one that feels right.
How accurate is it?
On music with a steady beat it is usually within about one BPM. Songs with changing tempo, swing or no drums are harder, and the confidence will be lower.
What tempo is normal for running?
Many runners like 160 to 180 steps per minute. Walking is around 100 to 120, and many pop songs sit between 100 and 130 BPM.
How long should the audio be?
At least ten seconds. Thirty seconds or more gives a better result. The tool uses up to 90 seconds from the middle of the track.
Can it find the key as well?
No. This tool measures tempo only.
Is my music uploaded?
No. It is analysed in your browser.