beats per minute

Learn about beats per minute, and how BPM is used and written in sheet music.

Metronome marks on sheet music, indicating tempo.
A BPM of 112 may be expressed with the terms moderato, allegro, or allegretto. Image © Brandy Kraemer

Definition of BPM:

Beats per minute (abbreviated BPM) is the number of times a beat is repeated in one minute. BPM expresses the tempo of a song, and is indicated in notation above the very first measure:

  1. As metronome marks:
    1. ♪=224*
    2. M.M.=112 (M.M. stands for “Maelzel's Metronome”)
  2. With tempo terms:
    1. Allegro means to play quickly, at about 112-160 BPM.

* The little music note in the metronome mark may be written in different note-lengths depending on which note-length holds the main beat. An eighth note marked with 224 BPM is the same as a quarter note marked with 112 BPM; learn why:

Continue With Rhythm & Tempo
  How to Read Time Signatures
  Learn About Simple & Compound Meter

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Beginner Piano Lessons
▪  Notes of the Piano Keys
▪  The Point Of Double-Sharps
▪  Finding Middle C on the Piano
▪  Essential Piano Fingering
▪  Comparing Major & Minor Chords
Getting Started on Keyboards
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▪  Playing Piano vs. Electric Keyboard
▪  How to Buy a Used Piano
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♫ Musical Quizzes!
● Identify the Piano Keys
● Key Signature Quiz
● Note Length & Rest Quiz (U.S. or U.K. English)
● Grand Staff Notes Quiz
● Time Signature & Rhythm Quiz

Illustrated Piano Chords:
AbmajAbma7Abma9  | AbminAbm7Abm9  | AbdimAb°7  | AbaugAb+7  | Absus2Absus4