Online Metronome A precise digital metronome for musicians and music practice.

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Online Metronome

A precise digital metronome for musicians and music practice.

Set BPM

Adjust the tempo with the BPM slider or type a specific value.

Choose Time Signature

Select your time signature (4/4, 3/4, 6/8, etc.).

Start

Click Start to begin the metronome. Accent beats are highlighted.

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What Is Online Metronome?

The Online Metronome is a precise, browser-based tool for musicians and music students. Set your desired BPM (beats per minute), choose a time signature, and start practicing with a steady, accurate beat. It uses the Web Audio API for sample-accurate timing that doesn't drift like setTimeout-based alternatives. Features include adjustable tempo (20-300 BPM), common time signatures (4/4, 3/4, 6/8, 5/4, 7/8), accented first beats, and a visual beat indicator. Tap tempo lets you set the BPM by tapping along to a song.

Why Use Online Metronome?

Sample-accurate timing using Web Audio API scheduling
Multiple time signatures including compound meters
Tap tempo feature to match existing music
Visual beat indicator alongside audible clicks

Common Use Cases

Instrument Practice

Maintain steady tempo while practicing scales, exercises, or pieces.

Band Rehearsal

Use as a reference tempo for band practice sessions.

Songwriting

Set a consistent tempo while composing or recording demos.

Exercise

Maintain a steady pace for activities like jump rope, running cadence, or dance practice.

Technical Guide

The metronome uses Web Audio API scheduling for sample-accurate timing. Instead of setTimeout (which drifts due to JavaScript event loop delays), the metronome schedules click sounds using AudioContext.currentTime. A scheduler function runs at ~25ms intervals using setInterval but only uses it to schedule future Web Audio events. Click sounds are generated by OscillatorNodes: the downbeat (accent) uses a higher frequency (1000 Hz) and the other beats use a lower frequency (800 Hz). Each click is a short sine wave burst (50ms) with a quick attack and decay envelope applied via GainNode scheduling. The beat interval is calculated as 60 / BPM seconds. A visual indicator uses requestAnimationFrame synchronized with the audio scheduling. Tap tempo averages the intervals between the last 4 taps to determine BPM.

Tips & Best Practices

1
Start slow and gradually increase tempo for effective practice
2
Use the accent pattern to emphasize downbeats in your time signature
3
Tap tempo is useful for matching the tempo of a song you're learning
4
Practice with a metronome regularly to develop a strong internal sense of timing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q How accurate is the timing?

The metronome uses Web Audio API scheduling, which provides sample-accurate timing (sub-millisecond precision). It does not drift over time.

Q What time signatures are available?

The tool supports 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 6/8, 5/4, and 7/8 time signatures.

Q What is tap tempo?

Tap tempo lets you set the BPM by tapping a button in rhythm. The metronome calculates the BPM from your tap intervals.

Q Can I change the click sound?

Not currently. The tool produces a fixed click sound — a clean sine wave tone with a higher-pitched accent on the first beat of each measure.

Q Does it work on mobile?

Yes. The metronome works on mobile browsers. Tap Start to begin — mobile browsers require user interaction to start audio.

About This Tool

Online Metronome is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.