Presto tempo (168–200 BPM)

• 168–200BPM (approx.)
• 184metronome preset
• 326 msper beat at 184

What does Presto mean?

Presto means very fast, roughly 168–200 BPM. It is faster than Allegro and Vivace and often marks brilliant finales. Presto agitato and Presto con fuoco add urgency and fire.

Origin: From Latin praesto ("ready, at hand").

How fast is Presto?

On most modern metronomes Presto covers roughly 168–200 BPM — that is a beat every 300–357 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: 168 BPM, 184 BPM, 200 BPM.

Famous examples

• Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 14 "Moonlight" — 3rd movement Presto agitato
• Presto finales are common in Haydn and Mozart symphonies

Practice tips for Presto

• Set the metronome to half the tempo (84–100 BPM) and feel it as the half note.
• Build up with the speed trainer over several days rather than in one session.
• Relax between bursts — tension is the main enemy at Presto tempos.

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: Vivace · Faster: Prestissimo · Read the full tempo markings guide.

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