Time signatures

Time signatures tell you how many and what kind of notes are contained in a measure of music. The time signature appears as a fraction at the start of the written music. It can also appear at a further point in the music if the time signature changes.

The number on top is the number of notes per measure and the bottom number is what kind of note is predominantly used.  To explain this:

Take for example the most popular time signature, 4/4.

This means there are 4 quarter notes per measure.

Looking at 4/4, you saw the 4 on top. You already knew that meant there were 4 something’s per measure. The bottom number can be 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc. Look at this chart.

3/4 is 3 quarter notes per measure.
5/2 is 5 half notes per measure.
6/8 is 6 eighth notes per measure.

Two other common things you might see where the time signature should be are:


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