Free practice tool
Measure duration calculator
Convert BPM and beats per measure into a predictable duration for one measure.
The short answer
At 1.0× playback speed, seconds per measure equals beats per measure multiplied by 60, divided by BPM. At 120 BPM with four beats, one measure lasts 2 seconds.
Enter your practice timing
Estimated duration
One measure
2 seconds
Formula: At 1.0×: beats × 60 ÷ BPM = seconds per measure
How the calculation works
BPM tells you how many beats fit in one minute. Dividing 60 by BPM gives seconds per beat; multiplying by the number of beats gives the duration of one measure.
How this maps to SheetCue
Use PDF BPM and Default beats for the score's baseline. If one measure has a different duration, SheetCue also provides Selected BPM and Selected beats for that measure.
What the estimate leaves out
The result is a timing estimate. Fermatas, rubato, pauses, count-in, tempo changes, and time-signature changes need separate judgment or per-measure settings.
Frequently asked questions
How long is one 4/4 measure at 120 BPM?
With four quarter-note beats, it is 2 seconds: 4 × 60 ÷ 120.
Which values can I use in SheetCue?
SheetCue 1.2.5 accepts 30–260 BPM and 1–64 beats per measure.
Put the timing into a measure-by-measure practice flow.
SheetCue lets you set baseline BPM and beats, then correct individual measures when the music needs it.