Tempo Marking Calculator
Map a BPM to its Italian tempo marking, or a marking back to its typical BPM range.
Moderato means a moderate tempo.
How it works
Long before metronomes, composers marked tempo with Italian words — Largo for broad and slow, Allegro for fast and bright, Presto for very fast. Each word covers a rough band of beats per minute rather than a single number.
Type a BPM and the tool finds the band it lands in and names it. Around 60 you're in Largo territory, a comfortable 90 is Andante — a walking pace — and 140 sits squarely in Allegro.
Flip the tool around and pick a marking to see its usual BPM range instead. These ranges are conventions handed down through practice, not strict rules, so treat them as a guide rather than gospel.
Frequently asked questions
What BPM is Allegro?
Allegro usually means roughly 120 to 156 BPM — a lively, upbeat tempo. It's one of the most common markings, sitting comfortably above a walking pace but short of frantic.
Do these BPM ranges vary?
Yes. Different editors and traditions give slightly different numbers, and the era and style matter too. The bands here are typical modern conventions, not a fixed standard.
What's the difference between Andante and Adagio?
Adagio is slower and more expressive, around 66 to 76 BPM, while Andante is a flowing walking pace of roughly 76 to 108 BPM. Andante generally feels noticeably more forward-moving.