Song Length Calculator
Convert between bars and time for any BPM and time signature. Plan arrangements, hit target durations, and estimate song lengths.
How it works
The length of a bar depends on the BPM and time signature. In 4/4 time, each bar has 4 beats. At 120 BPM, each beat is 0.5 seconds, so one bar = 2 seconds. The formula: (bars x beats per bar x 60) / BPM = seconds.
In 3/4 time (waltz), each bar has 3 beats, so bars are 25% shorter than 4/4 at the same BPM. In 6/8, each bar has 6 eighth-note pulses (equivalent to 3 quarter-note beats with a triplet feel).
Arrangement planning tips
Most streaming platforms and playlist curators favour songs between 2:30 and 3:30. DJ-oriented tracks (house, techno) are typically longer at 5:00-7:00 to allow for mixing transitions.
A standard pop structure (intro - verse - chorus - verse - chorus - bridge - chorus - outro) at 120 BPM in 4/4 usually lands around 3:00 - 3:30 with 8-bar sections, or 4:00+ with 16-bar sections.
For organizing your arrangements and tracking project progress across sessions, try Mixvisor.