Why use Online Metronome?
- Accurate timing: beats are scheduled on the Web Audio clock, not with sloppy timers.
- Tap tempo online: find the BPM of any song by tapping the button or the spacebar.
- Visual beat indicator: a pendulum and beat lights stay in sync with the sound.
- Time signatures and accents: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 and 6/8 with a higher-pitched first beat.
- Free and private: no sign-up, no downloads, everything runs in your browser.
Free online metronome for every instrument
Online Metronome is a free online metronome and bpm counter that works instantly in your browser. Set the tempo from 20 to 300 beats per minute, choose a time signature, pick a sound and press Play. It is a reliable metronome for guitar, piano, drums, violin, vocals and any practice session.
How to use the metronome
Drag the slider or use the −5, −1, +1 and +5 buttons to set the tempo. Choose a preset such as Andante or Allegro for a quick start, then press Play. Watch the pendulum and beat lights, which are synchronized with the audio. To match a song, use tap tempo online: tap the button or the spacebar along with the music and Online Metronome calculates the BPM for you.
Common tempo markings
| Marking | Approx. BPM | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Largo | 40–66 | Very slow, broad |
| Adagio | 66–76 | Slow and expressive |
| Andante | 76–108 | Walking pace |
| Moderato | 108–120 | Moderate |
| Allegro | 120–156 | Fast and lively |
| Presto | 168–200 | Very fast |
Frequently asked questions
What is a metronome used for?
A metronome produces a steady beat at a set tempo in beats per minute (BPM). Musicians use it to practice in time, build speed gradually, learn new pieces, and keep a consistent rhythm when playing guitar, piano, drums or singing.
How does Tap Tempo work?
Tap the TAP TEMPO button or press the spacebar in rhythm with a song. The tool measures the time between your most recent taps, averages it, and converts it to BPM. After a pause of about two seconds the counter starts over.
What are common tempo markings like Allegro or Andante?
Largo is very slow (about 40–66 BPM), Adagio is slow (66–76), Andante is a walking pace (76–108), Moderato is moderate (108–120), Allegro is fast and lively (120–156) and Presto is very fast (168–200 BPM).
How accurate is this online metronome?
Clicks are scheduled ahead of time on the Web Audio clock, which is far more precise than ordinary JavaScript timers. A background timer keeps scheduling when the tab is in the background, so the beat stays steady.
What do the time signatures and accent do?
The time signature sets how many beats are in each measure: 2, 3, 4 or 6. The first beat of every measure plays at a higher pitch so you can hear where the bar starts. In 6/8 the fourth beat gets a lighter accent to mark the two groups of three.
Is Online Metronome free and private?
Yes. Online Metronome is completely free, needs no sign-up, and runs 100% in your browser. No audio or data is sent to a server.
Does the metronome work on phones and tablets?
Yes. Online Metronome is responsive and works in modern mobile browsers. Tap Play once to start the audio, because browsers only allow sound after a user action. Some phones pause web audio when the screen locks, so keep the screen on while you practice.
Which metronome sound is best for guitar or drums?
Woodblock and Click cut through an amplified guitar or a drum kit well. Cowbell is loud and bright for noisy rooms, and Digital Beep is clean for quiet practice. The accented first beat is always higher in pitch, whichever sound you choose.