BPM to Milliseconds (MS)
The formula, reference table, and everything you need to set delay times correctly in any DAW.
Skip the math - use the free calculator
Enter any BPM and get all delay times instantly. Includes tap tempo and reverb pre-delay.
The BPM to MS Formula
ms = 60,000 / BPM
This gives you milliseconds per quarter note (one beat)
Every other note value is a multiple of this quarter note value:
- Whole note (1/1): quarter x 4
- Half note (1/2): quarter x 2
- Quarter note (1/4): 60,000 / BPM
- Eighth note (1/8): quarter / 2
- Sixteenth note (1/16): quarter / 4
- Dotted note: base x 1.5
- Triplet note: base x (2/3)
BPM to MS Reference Table
Common delay times for popular BPMs. Values in milliseconds.
| BPM | 1/4 (quarter) | 1/8 (eighth) | 1/2d (dotted half) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 857.1 ms | 428.6 ms | 1285.7 ms |
| 80 | 750 ms | 375 ms | 1125 ms |
| 90 | 666.7 ms | 333.3 ms | 1000 ms |
| 100 | 600 ms | 300 ms | 900 ms |
| 110 | 545.5 ms | 272.7 ms | 818.2 ms |
| 120 | 500 ms | 250 ms | 750 ms |
| 128 | 468.8 ms | 234.4 ms | 703.1 ms |
| 135 | 444.4 ms | 222.2 ms | 666.7 ms |
| 140 | 428.6 ms | 214.3 ms | 642.9 ms |
| 150 | 400 ms | 200 ms | 600 ms |
| 160 | 375 ms | 187.5 ms | 562.5 ms |
| 170 | 352.9 ms | 176.5 ms | 529.4 ms |
| 174 | 344.8 ms | 172.4 ms | 517.2 ms |
| 180 | 333.3 ms | 166.7 ms | 500 ms |
For full tables including dotted and triplet variants, use the calculator.
How to Set Delay in Your DAW
Ableton Live (Echo / Delay)
In the Echo device, set the time mode to "ms" (not "sync"). Enter the ms value directly. For the built-in Simple Delay, switch from "Sync" to "Free" mode first.
FL Studio (Fruity Delay 3)
Right-click the tempo knob and choose "Set value." Enter the ms value. Alternatively, use the "1/x" mode and set to a note value directly if your BPM matches exactly.
Logic Pro (Tape Delay / Echo)
In the Tape Delay plugin, disable tempo sync and enter ms directly. For the Stereo Delay, set Left/Right delay time fields to ms mode.
Any Plugin (Universal)
Any delay plugin with a millisecond input accepts these values directly. If the plugin only has a "time" knob without units, check the manual for the millisecond range and calculate the appropriate position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert BPM to milliseconds?
The formula is: ms = 60,000 / BPM. At 120 BPM, one quarter note = 500 ms. Use the calculator above to get all note values automatically.
What is the delay time in ms for 128 BPM?
At 128 BPM: whole note = 1875ms, half = 937.5ms, quarter = 468.75ms, eighth = 234.4ms, sixteenth = 117.2ms. Use the calculator for dotted and triplet variants.
What BPM to ms formula do plugins use?
All major delay plugins use the same formula: ms = 60,000 / BPM for one quarter note. Set your plugin to 'ms' mode and paste the value from this calculator.
How do I calculate dotted delay times?
Multiply the base value by 1.5. At 128 BPM: dotted eighth = 234.4 x 1.5 = 351.6ms. Dotted delays have a syncopated, swinging feel common in reggae, dub, and pop.