Tap along to the beat to find the tempo of any track
BPM stands for Beats Per Minute — the universal measurement of tempo in music. For DJs, understanding and accurately measuring BPM is fundamental to beatmatching, the art of synchronizing two tracks so they play in perfect rhythm. Whether you're mixing vinyl, CDJs, or using DJ software like Serato or Rekordbox, knowing the exact tempo of your tracks is essential for seamless transitions.
Our tap-to-tempo calculator measures the time intervals between your taps and calculates the average to determine BPM. The algorithm uses your last 8 taps for stability, filtering out timing inconsistencies to give you an accurate reading. Simply tap along with the beat — ideally on the kick drum or snare — and watch the BPM update in real-time.
Understanding typical tempo ranges for different genres helps you organize your music library and plan smoother sets. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
| Genre | BPM Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Hop / Trap | 65-85 | Often counted as half-time (130-170) |
| R&B / Soul | 70-100 | Slower, groove-focused |
| Disco / Funk | 100-120 | Classic dancefloor tempo |
| House | 120-130 | Most versatile range |
| Tech House | 124-130 | Slightly faster than house |
| Techno | 130-150 | Industrial styles go higher |
| Trance | 130-145 | Uplifting styles around 138 |
| Drum & Bass | 160-180 | Liquid styles lower, jump-up higher |
| Hardcore / Gabber | 160-200+ | Extreme tempos |
With consistent tapping, our calculator achieves accuracy within ±1 BPM. The averaging algorithm smooths out human timing variations, but accuracy depends on tapping in rhythm with the beat.
If you tap inconsistently or on the wrong beat element, the BPM will fluctuate. Focus on tapping the kick drum steadily, and wait for the "Stable reading" indicator before noting the tempo.
Absolutely! The tap tempo method works for any music source — live bands, TV commercials, streaming audio, or even humming a melody. It's also great for setting tempo on drum machines.
Minimum 4 taps for a basic reading, but we recommend at least 8-16 taps for accurate results. The more consistent taps you provide, the more stable your BPM reading will be.