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Convert between BPM (beats per minute) and hertz for music tempo, heart rate, and rhythmic frequencies.
BPM to Hertz:
Hz = BPM ÷ 60
Divide beats per minute by 60 to get beats per second
Hertz to BPM:
BPM = Hz × 60
Multiply beats per second by 60 to get beats per minute
| BPM | Hertz (Hz) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 40 BPM | 0.667 Hz | Largo (very slow) |
| 60 BPM | 1.000 Hz | Larghetto / Resting heart rate |
| 72 BPM | 1.200 Hz | Average heart rate |
| 80 BPM | 1.333 Hz | Andante (walking pace) |
| 100 BPM | 1.667 Hz | Andante moderato |
| 120 BPM | 2.000 Hz | Allegro moderato |
| 140 BPM | 2.333 Hz | Allegro / Light exercise |
| 160 BPM | 2.667 Hz | Vivace / Moderate exercise |
| 180 BPM | 3.000 Hz | Presto / Intense exercise |
| 200 BPM | 3.333 Hz | Prestissimo / Max heart rate |
BPM stands for Beats Per Minute, a unit that measures tempo in music and pulse rate in medical contexts. In music, BPM indicates how many beats occur in one minute, determining the speed or pace of a piece. A higher BPM means faster tempo. Common musical genres have characteristic BPM ranges: ballads (60-80 BPM), pop (100-130 BPM), dance music (120-140 BPM), and drum and bass (160-180 BPM). In medicine, BPM measures heart rate, with normal resting rates between 60-100 BPM for adults.
Hertz (Hz) is the SI unit of frequency, measuring cycles per second. When applied to rhythm or pulse, one hertz equals one beat per second. Converting BPM to hertz provides a standardized frequency measurement that can be compared with other periodic phenomena. For example, a song at 120 BPM has a beat frequency of 2 Hz, meaning two beats occur every second. This conversion is useful in audio engineering, music production, signal processing, and scientific analysis of rhythmic patterns.
Since BPM measures beats per minute and hertz measures cycles per second, conversion requires dividing by 60 (the number of seconds in a minute):
Example: Convert 120 BPM to Hz
120 BPM ÷ 60 = 2 Hz
This means 120 beats per minute equals 2 beats per second.
BPM measures beats per minute, while hertz measures cycles per second. Since there are 60 seconds in a minute, you divide BPM by 60 to convert from beats per minute to beats per second (hertz). For example, 60 BPM = 60 beats in 60 seconds = 1 beat per second = 1 Hz.
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60-100 BPM (1-1.67 Hz). Athletes often have lower resting heart rates (40-60 BPM or 0.67-1 Hz) due to cardiovascular fitness. During exercise, heart rate can increase to 120-200 BPM (2-3.33 Hz) depending on intensity and fitness level.
Musical tempos above 120 BPM (2 Hz) are generally considered fast. Dance music typically ranges from 120-140 BPM, techno 120-150 BPM, house music 115-130 BPM, and drum and bass 160-180 BPM. The fastest common genre, hardstyle, can reach 150-160 BPM or higher. Classical music marked "Presto" typically exceeds 168 BPM.
DJs use BPM to match the tempo of different tracks for seamless mixing (beatmatching). Most DJ software displays BPM and allows tempo adjustment. When mixing, DJs typically select tracks within 2-5 BPM of each other, or use multiples/divisions (e.g., 120 BPM and 160 BPM have compatible rhythmic relationships). Electronic dance music often maintains consistent BPM throughout a track for easier mixing.
Certain BPM ranges became genre standards because they work well for dancing and mixing. House music settled around 120-128 BPM as it's energetic but sustainable for extended dancing. Dubstep uses 140 BPM (which feels like 70 BPM due to half-time feel). These standards also make it easier for DJs to mix tracks within the same genre.
Metronomes are devices that produce regular clicks or beeps at a set tempo measured in BPM. A metronome set to 60 BPM produces one click per second (1 Hz), making it useful for practicing rhythm and timing. Musicians use metronomes to develop consistent tempo and improve synchronization. Digital metronomes and music software can display both BPM and hertz.