A delay time chart converts BPM into milliseconds so echoes repeat in time with the music. Divide 60,000 by the BPM to find a quarter-note delay, then multiply or divide that result for other note values. Dotted notes use × 1.5, while triplet notes use × 2/3.
The charts cover common tempos from 60 to 200 BPM. Values are rounded to two decimal places. For more background, see this guide to converting BPM into milliseconds.
Delay Time Chart: BPM to Milliseconds
These charts assume that the quarter note represents one beat, as it normally does in 4/4.
Straight-note delay times
| BPM | Half note | Quarter note | Eighth note | Sixteenth note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 2,000 ms | 1,000 ms | 500 ms | 250 ms |
| 80 | 1,500 ms | 750 ms | 375 ms | 187.50 ms |
| 100 | 1,200 ms | 600 ms | 300 ms | 150 ms |
| 120 | 1,000 ms | 500 ms | 250 ms | 125 ms |
| 128 | 937.50 ms | 468.75 ms | 234.38 ms | 117.19 ms |
| 140 | 857.14 ms | 428.57 ms | 214.29 ms | 107.14 ms |
| 160 | 750 ms | 375 ms | 187.50 ms | 93.75 ms |
| 180 | 666.67 ms | 333.33 ms | 166.67 ms | 83.33 ms |
| 200 | 600 ms | 300 ms | 150 ms | 75 ms |
Dotted-note delay times
A dotted note lasts 1.5 times as long as the corresponding straight note.
| BPM | Dotted quarter | Dotted eighth | Dotted sixteenth |
| 60 | 1,500 ms | 750 ms | 375 ms |
| 80 | 1,125 ms | 562.50 ms | 281.25 ms |
| 100 | 900 ms | 450 ms | 225 ms |
| 120 | 750 ms | 375 ms | 187.50 ms |
| 128 | 703.13 ms | 351.56 ms | 175.78 ms |
| 140 | 642.86 ms | 321.43 ms | 160.71 ms |
| 160 | 562.50 ms | 281.25 ms | 140.63 ms |
| 180 | 500 ms | 250 ms | 125 ms |
| 200 | 450 ms | 225 ms | 112.50 ms |
Triplet delay times
A triplet division occupies two-thirds of the duration of its straight-note equivalent.
| BPM | Quarter-note triplet | Eighth-note triplet | Sixteenth-note triplet |
| 60 | 666.67 ms | 333.33 ms | 166.67 ms |
| 80 | 500 ms | 250 ms | 125 ms |
| 100 | 400 ms | 200 ms | 100 ms |
| 120 | 333.33 ms | 166.67 ms | 83.33 ms |
| 128 | 312.50 ms | 156.25 ms | 78.13 ms |
| 140 | 285.71 ms | 142.86 ms | 71.43 ms |
| 160 | 250 ms | 125 ms | 62.50 ms |
| 180 | 222.22 ms | 111.11 ms | 55.56 ms |
| 200 | 200 ms | 100 ms | 50 ms |
If a device accepts only whole milliseconds, round to the nearest number. A value of 321.43 ms becomes 321 ms. Use tempo sync when a project contains tempo automation.
How Do You Calculate Delay Time From BPM?
To calculate delay time, first find the duration of one quarter-note beat:
Quarter-note delay in ms = 60,000 ÷ BPM
The constant 60,000 is the number of milliseconds in one minute. This is the standard BPM calculation formula.
Calculating straight note values
Once the quarter-note value is known, derive the other straight divisions:
| Note value | Calculation from quarter note |
| Whole note | quarter × 4 |
| Half note | quarter × 2 |
| Eighth note | quarter ÷ 2 |
| Sixteenth note | quarter ÷ 4 |
| Thirty-second note | quarter ÷ 8 |
Calculating dotted and triplet values
Multiply any straight-note value by 1.5 to calculate its dotted form. Multiply it by two-thirds, or divide by 1.5, to calculate its triplet form.
A dotted eighth is longer than a straight eighth, while an eighth-note triplet is shorter. They therefore create different patterns at the same musical tempo.
What Are the Delay Times at 120 BPM?
At 120 BPM, a quarter note lasts 500 ms because 60,000 ÷ 120 = 500. The complete set of common straight values is:
| Note value | Delay time |
| Whole note | 2,000 ms |
| Half note | 1,000 ms |
| Quarter note | 500 ms |
| Eighth note | 250 ms |
| Sixteenth note | 125 ms |
| Thirty-second note | 62.50 ms |
A dotted eighth at 120 BPM is 250 × 1.5 = 375 ms. An eighth-note triplet is 250 × 2/3 = 166.67 ms. The straight eighth repeats halfway through the beat, the triplet divides it into three, and the dotted eighth repeats three-sixteenths after the original sound.
How Should You Choose a Delay Note Value?
Choose a division according to the available rhythmic space. Quarter notes produce spacious echoes, eighth notes create a steadier pattern, and sixteenths add density.
Dotted and triplet rhythms
Dotted eighth delays interlock with straight playing. Triplets suit shuffle, swing, compound-meter, or cross-rhythmic parts. In 6/8 or 12/8, confirm what BPM counts; the beat may be a dotted quarter. This guide to time signatures and beat units explains the distinction.
Let the arrangement decide
A busy lead usually needs fewer repeats, lower feedback, or a wider division. Sparse phrases leave room for longer echoes. Always adjust timing, feedback, filtering, and level by ear.
How Do You Enter Delay Time in a Plugin or Pedal?
In note-sync mode, select 1/4, 1/8D for a dotted eighth, or 1/8T for an eighth-note triplet. Labels vary, so verify D and T on the device.
Manual milliseconds and tap tempo
In millisecond mode, use the chart or calculate the value. When BPM is unknown, use tap tempo or a reliable method for finding a song’s BPM. Tap several steady beats to reduce error.
If the song changes tempo, automate the delay or use tempo sync. Rapid changes can alter pitch or create artifacts, so test transitions.
Can the Chart Be Used for More Than Delay?
The same values can provide musical starting points for reverb pre-delay, tremolo, rhythmic gating, chorus or flanger rates, and compressor release. They are reference values, not mandatory settings.
At 120 BPM, shorter fractions such as 125, 62.5, or 31.25 ms are more practical reverb pre-delay starting points than a full 500 ms beat. Compressor timing must still preserve transients and control pumping. Understanding rhythm versus tempo prevents synchronized but awkward settings.
What Delay-Time Mistakes Should You Avoid?
The most common mistake is using the wrong beat unit. Compound meter or half-time interpretation can shift the useful pulse, so confirm the meter and strong beats.
Other errors include confusing dotted and triplet symbols, retaining a fixed value after a tempo change, and allowing feedback buildup. Filtering, automation, ducking, and lower feedback often matter more than mathematical precision. See how BPM affects music production decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the delay time for 120 BPM?
A quarter-note delay at 120 BPM is 500 ms. The eighth note is 250 ms, the sixteenth is 125 ms, the dotted eighth is 375 ms, and the eighth-note triplet is approximately 166.67 ms.
How do I calculate a dotted eighth-note delay?
Divide 60,000 by the BPM to find the quarter note, divide that result by two for the eighth note, and multiply by 1.5. At 120 BPM, the calculation is 500 ÷ 2 × 1.5 = 375 ms.
What is the difference between dotted and triplet delay?
A dotted delay is 1.5 times the corresponding straight-note duration. A triplet delay is two-thirds of the straight duration, so it repeats sooner and creates a different rhythmic subdivision.
Should delay time be entered in milliseconds or note values?
Use note values when the plugin or pedal is correctly synchronized to the song tempo. Use milliseconds when you need exact manual control, the device lacks tempo sync, or a deliberately unsynchronized echo sounds better.
Can I use delay-time calculations for reverb pre-delay?
Yes, but shorter subdivisions are usually more practical than full beats. Start with a tempo-related fraction, then adjust by ear so the dry sound remains clear and the reverb supports the groove.
What happens to delay time when the BPM changes?
Delay time becomes shorter as BPM rises and longer as BPM falls. A quarter note lasts 500 ms at 120 BPM but only 375 ms at 160 BPM, so fixed millisecond settings must be changed or automated to remain synchronized.
Sophia Mitchell is a music technology writer and rhythm analysis specialist at BPM Calculator. She focuses on BPM calculation, tempo analysis, beat synchronization, DJ workflow tools, and music production education for producers, DJs, musicians, and audio creators. Sophia creates practical, beginner-friendly content around tempo matching, delay timing, metronomes, harmonic mixing, and rhythm analysis to help creators improve musical timing, workflow efficiency, and production accuracy.