Tempo markings chart: BPM for every Italian tempo term
Every common Italian tempo marking with its BPM range, in one chart. Set the number on the metronome and start practicing.
Tempo markings are Italian words printed on sheet music that tell you how fast to play. Each one covers a range of BPM (beats per minute) rather than a single speed, so pick a number inside the range that fits the piece and your current ability, then practice it consistently.
| Tempo marking | BPM range |
|---|---|
| Larghissimo | under 24 BPM |
| Grave | 25-45 BPM |
| Largo | 40-60 BPM |
| Lento | 45-60 BPM |
| Larghetto | 60-66 BPM |
| Adagio | 66-76 BPM |
| Adagietto | 68-80 BPM |
| Andante | 76-108 BPM |
| Andantino | 80-108 BPM |
| Moderato | 108-120 BPM |
| Allegretto | 112-120 BPM |
| Allegro | 120-156 BPM |
| Vivace | 156-176 BPM |
| Presto | 168-200 BPM |
| Prestissimo | 200+ BPM |
Why the ranges overlap
These ranges vary slightly by tradition - metronome manufacturers print slightly different scales on the dial, and tempo words describe character as much as raw speed. What matters most is picking one BPM and practicing it consistently, not hitting the exact middle of a range.
Practice tip
Start near the bottom of the range, play the passage cleanly three times in a row, then raise the tempo 4 BPM at a time. Our Allegro BPM guide and metronome practice method go deeper, and the subdivisions metronome helps with eighth notes, triplets and sixteenths. Try 120 BPM - a solid Moderato-to-Allegro boundary - on the metronome now.