Moderato tempo (108–120 BPM)

• 108–120BPM (approx.)
• 114metronome preset
• 526 msper beat at 114

What does Moderato mean?

Moderato means at a moderate speed, typically 108–120 BPM — neither slow nor fast. It is often combined with other markings, as in Allegro moderato (moderately fast) or Andante moderato.

Origin: From moderare ("to moderate").

How fast is Moderato?

On most modern metronomes Moderato covers roughly 108–120 BPM — that is a beat every 500–556 ms. The BPM refers to the beat of the time signature (a quarter note in 4/4, a dotted quarter in 6/8 when it is felt in two). Try a few tempos within the range: 108 BPM, 114 BPM, 120 BPM.

Famous examples

• Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 2 — the 1st movement Moderato
• Allegro moderato is a common first-movement marking in Classical sonatas

Practice tips for Moderato

• Moderato tempos are ideal for building technique: fast enough to flow, slow enough to control.
• Practise sixteenth notes at 108–120 BPM as a benchmark for intermediate scales.
• Use the speed trainer to move from Andante to Moderato gradually.

All tempo markings

Marking	Meaning	Approx. BPM
Larghissimo	as broadly as possible	20–24
Grave	grave, solemn, heavy	25–45
Largo	broad, wide	40–60
Lento	slow	45–60
Larghetto	rather broadly	60–66
Adagio	at ease, slowly	66–76
Andante	walking pace	76–108
Moderato	moderately	108–120
Allegretto	moderately fast, a little lively	112–120
Allegro	fast, lively, cheerful	120–156
Vivace	lively, vivacious	156–176
Presto	very fast, quickly	168–200
Prestissimo	as fast as possible	200+

Slower: Andante · Faster: Allegretto · Read the full tempo markings guide.

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