Time Signature Calculator
Convert bars to seconds for any time signature and tempo, find a section’s length, seconds per bar and total beats. Runs entirely in your browser.
Total length
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Show the math
A time signature's lower number sets the note that gets one count. Converted to quarter-note beats and combined with the tempo:
seconds per bar = beats × (4 ÷ lower) × (60 ÷ BPM)
Multiply by the number of bars for the total running time, handy for arranging, looping and timing a section to picture.
Everything is calculated in your browser.
What this does
A time signature calculator converts bars to seconds for any time signature and tempo — a section’s length, seconds per bar, and total beats.
How to use it
- Enter the time signature.
- Enter the tempo.
- Enter the number of bars.
- Read the length in seconds.
How it works
The lower number sets which note gets a count; converting to quarter-note beats and multiplying by bars gives the total. BPM is assumed to count quarter notes.
seconds per bar = beats × (4 ÷ lower) × (60 ÷ BPM)
Understanding your result
The seconds-per-bar and total-length figures are what you use to fit music to picture or plan an arrangement to a target duration. The lower number of the signature sets which note gets the beat, so the tool converts to quarter-note beats first; if your project counts the tempo against a different note value, adjust the BPM to match or the timing will be off.
Example
8 bars of 4/4 at 120 BPM run 16 seconds.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is a bar’s length calculated?
The lower number of the time signature sets which note gets one count. Converted to quarter-note beats, seconds per bar = beats × (4 ÷ lower) × (60 ÷ BPM); multiply by the number of bars for the total.
Does the tempo beat have to be a quarter note?
This tool assumes BPM counts quarter notes, which is the usual convention. Compound meters like 6/8 are handled by the 4 ÷ lower conversion.
What is it useful for?
Timing a section to picture, planning loop lengths, or working out how many bars fit a target duration.
Do you store my numbers?
No. Everything is calculated locally in your browser.
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