Enter the old tempo, the number of pivot note values in the new measure, and the number of pivot note values in the old measure into the Metric Modulation Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Metric Modulation. 

Metric Modulation Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Metric Modulation. 

MM = OT * PNN / PNO

Variables:

  • MM is the Metric Modulation (new tempo)
  • OT is the old tempo 
  • PNN is the number of pivot note values in the new measure 
  • PNO is the number of pivot note values in the old measure 

To calculate the metric modulation, multiply the old tempo by the number of pivot note values in the new measure, then divide by the number of pivot note values in the hold measure.

How to Calculate Metric Modulation?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Metric Modulation.


  1. First, determine the old tempo.
  2. Next, determine the number of pivot note values in the new measure. 
  3. Next, determine the number of pivot note values in the old measure. 
  4. Next, gather the formula from above = MM = OT * PNN / PNO.
  5. Finally, calculate the Metric Modulation.
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above. 

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

old tempo = 84

number of pivot note values in the new measure = 3

number of pivot note values in the old measure = 2

MM = OT * PNN / PNO =  ?