Convert BPM to Milliseconds (ms)

Quickly perform the calculation to convert BPM to Milliseconds.
Use this tool to precisely time the attack, decay, sustain, or release on your compressors, limiters, reverbs, delays, and other audio effects in Ableton, FL Studio, Pro Tools, or your DAW of choice.

The BPM to MS Formula
The formula is pretty simple, but it can be annoying to calculate over and over again.

1 Minute = 60,000 milliseconds (ms)

To get the duration of a quarter note (a quarter note = 1 beat) for any tempo/BPM we divide the number of milliseconds per minute by the BPM. So:

60,000 (ms) ÷ BPM = duration of a quarter note

Example:
60,000 ÷ 140 BPM = 428.57 ms per beat/quarter note.

Example Uses

Sidechaining a bass line to a kick track:
Sidechaining the sub bass to the kick drum is one of the first techniques many artists use when learning how to mix their tracks, and it's one of the most important.

When playing a track on larger speakers, in a car, or at a show, it's instantly clear how vital it is to have a tightly produced low end. Setting your side chain compressor to Auto can sometimes work, but it may not be enough depending on the kick you've sampled or recorded.

This is a prime use case for this calculator. By inputting your BPM to get the number of milliseconds, you can precisely time the release of the sidechain compressor to make your sub bass duck away from your kick and come back perfectly in-sync with your track's tempo.

Setting a reverb delay for lead synths or vocals:
When an instrument, synth, or vocal track is front and center, many producers find themselves applying certain effects to wetten and emphasize the sound.

However, when a sound is in focus, it becomes easy for your listeners to pick up on any carelessly applied effects. Common among these is reverb, either applied selectively through automation, or consistently across the track itself.

Even if the effect itself is subtle, ensuring that the decay of the reverb matches your track's BPM does wonders to make sure the sound comes across strongly while still feeling consistent with your rhythm section.

Hopefully this tool can help you elevate your productions with just a few simple knob adjustments. For your convenience the following table is available for quick reference.