Dots Calculator

By CalculatorBolt Team | Published: | Updated: | Reviewed by: Music & Audio Editor

Practice polyrhythms with a visual dots grid. Enter beats per cycle for multiple rhythms. See and hear the polyrhythm. A great training tool for musicians. Informational only—enjoy practicing.

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Rhythm Settings

Rhythm # Beats per Cycle Color Actions

Playback Controls

Status: Stopped

Polyrhythm Visualization

Preset Polyrhythms

Grid Size

Export/Import

How it works

Each rhythm has beats per cycle. The interval in milliseconds is calculated as: (60000 / BPM) / Beats. The grid lights up dots for each rhythm at its interval, creating a visual polyrhythm. For example, a 3/4 rhythm at 120 BPM has an interval of 666.67ms, while a 4/4 rhythm at 120 BPM has an interval of 500ms.

Interval (ms) = (60000 / BPM) / Beats per Cycle
Example: 3/4 at 120 BPM = (60000 / 120) / 3 = 166.67ms per beat

Inputs explained

Rhythm Table
Add multiple rhythms, each with beats per cycle and a color. Each rhythm will be visualized as a row of dots.
Beats per Cycle
How many beats in one complete cycle of the rhythm (e.g., 3 for a triplet, 4 for common time).
Speed (BPM)
The tempo in beats per minute. Higher values = faster playback.
Color
Choose a color for each rhythm to distinguish them visually in the grid.

Example

Scenario: 3 against 4 polyrhythm at 120 BPM

  • Rhythm 1: 3 beats per cycle → Interval = (60000 / 120) / 3 = 166.67ms
  • Rhythm 2: 4 beats per cycle → Interval = (60000 / 120) / 4 = 125ms

The dots will light up to show the 3-against-4 polyrhythm pattern. Rhythm 1 completes 3 beats while Rhythm 2 completes 4 beats in the same time period.

Tips & notes

  • Start with simple polyrhythms like 3 against 4 before attempting more complex patterns.
  • Adjust the speed (BPM) to make it easier or harder to follow the rhythm.
  • Use the visual grid to understand the relationship between the rhythms—watch where the dots align.
  • Common polyrhythms include 3:2, 3:4, 5:4, 7:8, and 4:3.
  • Practice clapping or tapping along with one rhythm while watching the other.
  • Change the colors to help distinguish rhythms visually.

FAQs

A polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of two or more rhythms that do not coincide. For example, 3 against 4 means one rhythm plays 3 beats while another plays 4 beats in the same time period.

Enter the beats per cycle for each rhythm, choose colors, and press play to see the visual representation. The dots will light up to show the polyrhythm pattern.

Yes, you can adjust the grid width and height in the advanced options to customize the visualization.

3 against 4 is a common polyrhythm where one rhythm has 3 beats per cycle and another has 4 beats per cycle, creating a complex rhythmic pattern.

No, this is a visual training tool only. It does not produce audio output. Use it to see the pattern and practice on your instrument.

No. Everything runs in your browser. Use Export/Share Link to save your configuration.

Disclaimer

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