Delay Time Calculator
Calculate delay times in milliseconds for dotted, triplet and straight note values from a song's BPM, free right in your browser.
Enter Values
Minimum 1
How to use this calculator
- Enter the tempo in BPM.
- Read the delay time for each note value.
How it works
A quarter note = 60000 ÷ BPM milliseconds; other values divide or multiply from there.
Worked example
120 BPM. 1/4 = 500 ms, 1/8 = 250 ms, 1/16 = 125 ms.
Common mistakes
- Confusing dotted and triplet values.
- Setting delay by ear when tempo-sync is exact.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate delay time from BPM?
Quarter-note delay (ms) = 60,000 ÷ BPM. At 120 BPM that is 500 ms; halve or double it for eighth or half notes.
Why match delay to tempo?
Tempo-synced delays land on the beat, so echoes reinforce the groove instead of muddying it.
What's a dotted eighth used for?
Dotted-eighth delay (75% of a quarter) is the classic rhythmic guitar delay sound.
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Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Delay Time Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/delay-time-calculator/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.