Delay Time Calculator — BPM-Synced Delay in Milliseconds

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.

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.

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.

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.