How to Calculate Beats Per Minute (bpm)

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Calculating the beats per minute (bpm) is essential for DJs, dancers and musicians. It's necessary to count the number of beats per minute to determine the tempo of a song. Once the beats per minute has been established, it's possible to coordinate the play of a band, the mixing of two songs or the movements of a dancer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Watch with second hand or stopwatch

Step 1

Get a watch with a second hand or a stopwatch. Time has to be measured accurately to count the beat properly.
Step 2

Take note of the start time. If using a regular watch, wait until the second hand reaches 12. If using a stopwatch, press and hold the button until the song begins.
Step 3

Play the song and count the number of beats for 10 seconds. Simply count aloud as the song plays.
Step 4

Multiply by six the number of beats over a 10-second period. This is the bpm.
Step 5

Determine the bpm for heart rate in a similar manner. Find the pulse with your index finger and simply count the beats for 10 seconds and multiply the result by six.