What is tap tempo and when do you use it?
Tap tempo is the fastest way to translate a song's feel into a precise BPM number. You hear a track, tap along to the beat, and the tool calculates the average interval between taps. Eight taps gives you a solid average — any remaining error is less than 1 BPM.
Common uses: you're learning a song from a recording and need to set your metronome to match; you're teaching a student and need to demonstrate the exact tempo they need to practice at; you need to sync a delay pedal or DAW to a reference track. For audio BPM detection where tap is too imprecise, try uploading the file directly.
How many taps do I need?
Two taps show a first estimate. After 4 taps it becomes reliable. 8 taps is optimal — the tool averages the last 8, so earlier imprecise taps drop out automatically.
The BPM seems double what I expect. Why?
You may be tapping on eighth notes or sixteenth notes rather than the quarter note pulse. Try tapping only on the main beat (1, 2, 3, 4) and the result will halve to the correct tempo.