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Prestissimo tempo (200+ BPM)

Prestissimo is an Italian tempo marking meaning “as fast as possible”, usually about 200+ beats per minute. The metronome below is set to 208 BPM.

Prestissimo

Space start/stop · ↑ ↓ ±1 BPM · Shift ±10 · T tap

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Stop the click after

200+BPM (approx.)
208metronome preset
288 msper beat at 208

What does Prestissimo mean?

Prestissimo is the fastest traditional marking, above about 200 BPM. It asks for the highest speed at which the music is still clear, so in practice it depends on the performer and the passage.

Origin: Superlative of presto.

How fast is Prestissimo?

On most modern metronomes Prestissimo covers roughly 200+ BPM — that is a beat every 200–300 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: 200 BPM, 208 BPM, 240 BPM.

Famous examples

Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1 — the finale Prestissimo
Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 — the 2nd movement Prestissimo

Practice tips for Prestissimo

Mechanical metronomes stop at 208 BPM; a digital metronome goes higher.
Count in half notes or whole bars rather than every beat.
Clarity first: a slightly slower, clean performance beats a blurred one.

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: Presto · Read the full tempo markings guide.

FAQ

What BPM is Prestissimo?

Prestissimo is usually played at about 200+ BPM on a modern metronome. Ranges differ between sources and editions, and the music itself matters, so treat it as a guide.

What does Prestissimo mean?

Prestissimo is Italian for "as fast as possible". Superlative of presto.

Is Prestissimo fast or slow?

Prestissimo is a fast tempo, faster than Presto.