Metronome — Free Online Metronome with Tempo Control
Keep perfect time with a customizable metronome. Adjust tempo from 20 to 300 BPM, choose time signatures, and toggle accent clicks — all with visual beat indicators. 100% client-side — nothing leaves your browser.
How to Use the Metronome
- Set tempo — drag the BPM slider or use the arrow keys to adjust between 20 and 300 BPM.
- Choose time signature — select 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/8, or 7/8 to match your piece.
- Start / Stop — click Start or press Space to begin. Click again to stop.
- Tap tempo — tap the T key or the Tap button in rhythm to automatically detect your desired BPM.
- Accent toggle — enable accent to hear a higher-pitched click on beat 1 of each measure.
- Visual feedback — watch the beat indicators light up in sync with the metronome clicks.
Why Use This Metronome
This metronome uses the Web Audio API's OscillatorNode to produce precise, click-free timing that does not drift. Unlike mechanical metronomes or basic audio-file players, it generates sounds in real time with sample-accurate scheduling, ensuring your tempo stays locked even during long practice sessions.
The tap tempo feature lets you match the metronome to an existing beat by simply tapping along. Combined with six time signatures and an optional accent on beat 1, this tool covers everything from simple 4/4 rock beats to complex odd-meter patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each time you tap, the tool records the interval between taps. After three or more taps, it averages the recent intervals and converts them to BPM. Tap steadily for the most accurate result — stray taps are filtered out automatically.
Audio file playback can drift due to buffering delays and system load. The Web Audio API schedules oscillator clicks with sub-millisecond precision using the audio thread, which runs independently of the JavaScript event loop. This keeps timing accurate even at extreme tempos.
The metronome is designed for practice and rehearsal. For live performance, we recommend using a dedicated hardware metronome or in-ear monitor system, as browser audio can occasionally be interrupted by system notifications or tab throttling.
Use Cases
Instrument Practice
Keep consistent tempo while practicing scales, arpeggios, or complex passages at any speed.
Tempo Training
Gradually increase BPM to build speed and accuracy in your playing over time.
Songwriting
Experiment with different tempos and time signatures while composing new material.
Group Rehearsal
Keep an ensemble in sync during practice sessions without a dedicated conductor click track.