🎵 Note Duration Converter
Convert musical note values (quarter, eighth, sixteenth) to milliseconds at any BPM for precise timing in music production
Your Result:
Quarter Note @ 120 BPM = 500ms
Example conversion for music production timing
Duration
Milliseconds
BPM
Beats/Minute
Note Type
1/4 Beat
🧮 Calculation Example
How to Use This Note Duration Converter
The Note Duration Converter calculates precise timing in milliseconds for any musical note value at a specific BPM (beats per minute). This tool is essential for music producers, sound engineers, and musicians working with digital audio workstations, MIDI programming, or any application requiring exact musical timing.
- Select Note Type: Choose from whole notes down to sixty-fourth notes. Quarter notes are most common for basic timing.
- Enter BPM: Input your song's tempo between 30-300 BPM. Common tempos: 120 BPM (moderate), 128 BPM (house music), 140 BPM (upbeat).
- Set Time Signature: Select your time signature. 4/4 is most common, but 3/4 (waltz), 6/8 (compound), and others affect note relationships.
- Add Modifiers: Check 'Dotted Note' to extend duration by 50%, or 'Triplet' to divide into three equal parts instead of two.
- Calculate: Click generate to get precise millisecond timing plus detailed breakdown of the calculation.
The results show the exact duration in milliseconds, equivalent note values, and step-by-step calculation breakdown for educational purposes.
Pro Tip: For audio delay effects, use note subdivision timing (eighth, sixteenth notes) to create rhythmic delays that sync perfectly with your music's tempo.
How It Works
Musical note duration calculation is based on the fundamental relationship between tempo (BPM) and time:
- Beat Duration: 60,000 milliseconds ÷ BPM = milliseconds per beat
- Note Fractions: Whole note = 4 beats, Half = 2 beats, Quarter = 1 beat, Eighth = 0.5 beats, etc.
- Final Duration: Beat duration × note fraction = note duration in milliseconds
- Dotted Notes: Original duration × 1.5 (adds half the value)
- Triplets: Normal duration ÷ 1.5 (three notes in the space of two)
The calculator handles complex time signatures by adjusting which note value receives one beat. In 4/4 time, quarter notes get the beat. In 6/8 time, eighth notes get the beat, changing all relationships proportionally.
Results include equivalent note values (showing how many of each note type fit in the calculated duration) and visual timing breakdown for better understanding of musical relationships.
When You Might Need This
- • Convert quarter notes to milliseconds for DAW sequencer programming at 120 BPM
- • Calculate precise timing for drum machine patterns using sixteenth note subdivisions
- • Determine delay timing for audio effects based on musical note values and tempo
- • Programming MIDI sequences with exact note durations for electronic music production
- • Setting up click track timing for live recording sessions with specific BPM requirements
- • Calculate loop lengths for sample-based music production in milliseconds
- • Synchronize lighting effects to musical beats using note duration calculations
- • Program drum patterns for different time signatures and complex rhythmic divisions
- • Convert musical notation timing to digital audio workstation grid settings
- • Calculate precise timing for live performance backing tracks and metronome settings
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the duration of a dotted quarter note at 140 BPM?
A dotted note adds 50% to the original duration. First calculate the quarter note: (60,000ms ÷ 140 BPM) = 428.57ms. Then add 50%: 428.57ms × 1.5 = 642.86ms. Use the 'Dotted Note' checkbox in the calculator for automatic calculation.
What's the difference between triplet eighths and regular eighth notes?
Regular eighth notes divide a beat into two equal parts, while triplet eighths divide a beat into three equal parts. At 120 BPM, a regular eighth note = 250ms, but triplet eighths = 166.67ms each. Triplets create a 'swing' feel common in jazz and blues.
Why does time signature affect note duration calculations?
Time signature determines what note value gets one beat. In 4/4 time, a quarter note gets one beat. In 6/8 time, an eighth note gets one beat. This affects the relationship between note values and their durations. The calculator adjusts automatically based on your selected time signature.
How accurate are these calculations for professional music production?
These calculations are mathematically precise and suitable for professional DAWs, MIDI programming, and audio production. Most digital audio workstations use the same formulas: 60,000ms ÷ BPM for beat duration, then divide/multiply by note fractions. Accuracy is limited only by your BPM precision.
Can I use this for calculating delay times for audio effects?
Yes! Many audio effects like delay, reverb, and modulation sync to musical timing. For example, a quarter note delay at 120 BPM = 500ms. Eighth note delay = 250ms. This creates rhythmic delays that complement your music instead of clashing with it.