How do I calculate delay time from BPM?

The base formula is: Delay (ms) = 60,000 / BPM. This gives you a quarter note delay. Multiply by 2 for half notes, divide by 2 for eighth notes, and so on. For dotted notes, multiply by 1.5. For triplets, multiply by 2/3.

What is a dotted delay?

A dotted note is 1.5 times the length of the regular note. Dotted eighth note delays (1/8.) are extremely popular in music production — they create the rhythmic ping-pong delay heard in countless records from U2 to modern electronic music.

What is a triplet delay?

A triplet divides a note value into three equal parts instead of two. Triplet delays (2/3 of the straight value) create a swinging, bouncing feel. Triplet sixteenth delays are commonly used in dub and reggae-influenced production.

Why should I sync my delays to the BPM?

Tempo-synced delays sit in time with the music, creating rhythmic patterns that complement the groove rather than fighting it. Un-synced delays can sound messy and clutter the mix, especially on rhythmic material.

AudioCalcs

Delay Time Calculator — BPM-Synced Delay in Milliseconds

Calculate delay times in milliseconds synced to BPM for all note values including dotted and triplet.

BPM

Tempo of your track in beats per minute

Swing

Swing shifts offbeat timing — use 67% for triplet feel

How We Calculate This

Base Formula

Quarter note delay (ms) = 60,000 / BPM

Note Divisions

Whole note = quarter × 4
Half note = quarter × 2
Eighth note = quarter / 2
Sixteenth note = quarter / 4

Dotted & Triplet

Dotted = straight × 1.5

Triplet = straight × 2/3

Swing

Swing shifts the offbeat eighth note later in time. A swing of 67% gives a triplet feel. This affects delay timing when matching a swung groove.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard formulas. Always verify results for critical applications.