Audiocolour

BPM to Samples & Loop Calculator

Convert a tempo into exact loop lengths and sample counts, work out the BPM of a loop from its length, or compare a loop at two tempos.

Calculate loop

Enter a tempo, sample rate and loop length to get exact durations and sample-frame counts.

Tempo

20–300 BPM. Decimals allowed.

Sample rate

Time signature

Bars

Enter a tempo to calculate.

Loop length (samples): —
Loop length (seconds): —
Loop length (ms): —
One bar (samples): —
One bar (ms): —
Quarter note (ms): —

BPM means quarter notes per minute, as in most DAWs. In compound meters such as 6/8, a bar is measured in quarter-note units: 6/8 is three quarter notes long.

Sample counts are rounded to the nearest whole frame. The loop total is rounded on its own, so it can differ by a frame from one bar multiplied by the bar count.

Note values in samples

Each cell shows the duration in milliseconds (ms) and, below it, the length in sample frames. Select a value to copy just that number.

Note

Match tempo

Compare a loop at its original tempo with a target tempo. The calculator works out the ratios only; it doesn't process audio.

Source tempo

Target tempo

Bars

Time signature

Enter both tempos to compare.

Source length: —
Target length: —
New duration: —; of the original length
Playback rate: —; of the original speed
Repitch shift: —; semitones, theoretical

Time-stretching

Changes the length while aiming to keep the original pitch. Set the stretched loop to the new duration percentage, or warp it to the target tempo.

Repitching

Changes the playback speed, like a turntable or sampler. Playing at the playback rate percentage reaches the target tempo, and the pitch moves by the repitch shift.

These are mathematical ratios for the tempos entered. Real results depend on your DAW or sampler and its stretching algorithm.

How to Use the BPM to Samples Calculator

A loop that's off by even one sample will drift or click. Here's how to get exact loop lengths every time.

1. Set your tempo and sample rate

Type your track's BPM (decimals allowed) and pick the sample rate your project runs at, such as 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. Every value updates instantly.

2. Choose bars and time signature

Pick how many bars your loop spans and its meter. You get the loop length in samples, seconds and milliseconds, ready to paste into your audio editor, sampler or game engine.

3. Grab note values from the table

Need one note instead of a whole loop? The table lists straight, dotted and triplet values from whole notes down to 1/64, in milliseconds and sample frames. Click any cell to copy it.

4. Find BPM or match tempo

Got a loop with no tempo label? Find BPM works it out from the loop's length. Match tempo shows how a loop's length changes when you move it to a new BPM.

BPM to Samples: Questions, Answered

How do I convert BPM to samples?

Samples per beat = sample rate × 60 ÷ BPM. At 120 BPM and 44.1 kHz, one quarter note is 22,050 samples. Multiply by the beats in a bar, then by the number of bars, to get the full loop length. This calculator does it instantly.

How do I find the BPM of a loop?

Count the quarter notes in the loop, multiply by 60, then divide by the loop's length in seconds. A two-bar loop in 4/4 lasting 3.75 seconds is 128 BPM. Or just use the Find BPM tab.

What's the difference between dotted and triplet notes?

A dotted note is 1.5 times the straight value, giving a bouncing, off-the-beat feel. A triplet is two-thirds of the straight value, squeezing three notes into the space of two for a swung, rolling feel.

Which sample rate should I use?

Match your project or audio file. 44.1 kHz is standard for music, while 48 kHz is common for video and game audio. Calculate at the wrong rate and your loop will be the wrong length.

Is it free? Do I need an account?

Completely free, with no signup needed. Everything runs in your browser.