Tempo Markings: BPM Ranges from Largo to Presto
What classical tempo markings like Largo, Andante and Allegro mean, and the BPM range each one covers.
What tempo markings mean
Tempo markings are the Italian words composers use to describe how fast a piece should be played — from the very slow Largo to the blazing Prestissimo. Each marking maps to a rough range of beats per minute (BPM), the unit a metronome actually counts.
The table below shows each marking with its approximate BPM range. The ranges overlap slightly between sources, so treat them as a guide rather than strict rules — the feel of the music matters more than a single number.
Using tempo markings with a metronome
To play a piece marked Andante, pick a BPM inside the Andante range and set your metronome to it. Start a little under the target tempo, get comfortable, then nudge it up to the final speed.
Each row in the table links to a ready-to-use metronome page at that BPM — click any of them to start the beat instantly, then adjust the time signature and subdivisions to match your piece.