An LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) generates a slow-moving waveform typically below 20 Hz that modulates other parameters like filter cutoff, volume, panning or pitch. When synced to tempo, LFOs create rhythmic movement that grooves with the music.

How do I calculate LFO rate from BPM?

For a quarter note LFO: Rate (Hz) = BPM / 60. For other divisions, multiply or divide accordingly. For example, an eighth note LFO at 120 BPM = (120/60) x 2 = 4 Hz.

What are common LFO rates for electronic music?

Quarter note and eighth note LFO rates are the most common for filter sweeps and tremolo effects. Slower rates (1 bar, 2 bars) work well for evolving pad textures. Faster rates (1/16, 1/32) create choppy, glitchy effects.

Why does my LFO sound out of sync?

Most likely the LFO rate is not precisely matched to your project tempo, or the LFO phase is not reset at the start of each bar. Many synths have a "key sync" or "retrigger" option that resets the LFO phase on each note to keep it locked to the grid.

AudioCalcs

LFO Rate Calculator — BPM-Synced LFO Frequencies

Calculate LFO rate in Hz synced to BPM for all note divisions.

BPM

Tempo of your project in beats per minute

Time Signature

Affects bar-length calculations — most music uses 4/4

How We Calculate This

LFO Rate Formula

LFO Rate (Hz) = BPM / (60 × note duration in beats)

For a quarter note: Hz = BPM / 60. For a whole note: Hz = BPM / 240. For an eighth note: Hz = BPM / 30.

Time Signatures

Bar-length divisions change with time signature. In 3/4, one bar = 3 beats; in 6/8, one bar = 6 eighth-note beats. The calculator adjusts bar-based rates for your time signature.

Period to Frequency

Frequency (Hz) = 1 / Period (seconds)

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.