Tempo Markings Chart
Every common Italian tempo term, with the BPM band it usually falls in and the feel it describes. Tap any term for a dedicated page with note-length tables at that tempo.
| Term | BPM range | Meaning | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grave | 25–45 | very slow, solemn | Funeral, heavy |
| Largo | 40–60 | broad, stately | Wide, calm |
| Larghetto | 60–66 | rather broad | Slightly moving |
| Adagio | 66–76 | slow and stately | Relaxed, expressive |
| Adagietto | 70–80 | slightly faster than adagio | Tender |
| Andante | 76–108 | walking pace | Steady, moderate |
| Andantino | 80–108 | little andante | Gentle, flowing |
| Moderato | 108–120 | moderate | Natural, neutral |
| Allegretto | 100–120 | fairly quick | Bright, light |
| Allegro | 120–156 | fast, cheerful | Energetic |
| Vivace | 156–176 | lively | Quick, vivid |
| Vivo / Vivacissimo | 172–176 | very lively | Restless |
| Presto | 168–200 | very fast | Rushing |
| Prestissimo | 200–208 | as fast as possible | Blurring |
How tempo relates to milliseconds
These markings describe a feel, not a metronome number — but once you pick a BPM for the band, the math is exact. One beat lasts:
milliseconds per beat = 60000 ÷ BPM
For any note value or delay time at a given tempo, use the BPM to milliseconds converter.
Why a range and not one number?
Composers used tempo words to tell the performer the character of a section. A conductor takes adagio somewhere in the 66–76 BPM band depending on the hall, the ensemble and the phrase. Treat the ranges above as reliable starting points, not rigid rules.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the order of tempo markings from slowest to fastest?
- Grave → largo → larghetto → adagio → adagietto → andante → andantino → moderato → allegretto → allegro → vivace → presto → prestissimo. Each occupies a characteristic BPM band.
- Are tempo markings exact BPM numbers?
- No. They describe a feel. Modern charts assign a typical BPM range to each, but performers interpret within that band.
- How do I convert a tempo marking to milliseconds?
- Take the BPM in the band, then one beat = 60000 ÷ BPM ms. At adagio's ~70 BPM a beat is about 857 ms. Use the BPM to milliseconds tool for any note value.