A song at 170 BPM contains 170 beats per minute, making it a fast, energetic tempo. Each beat lasts about 0.353 seconds, creating a driving pulse that works well for high-energy genres, running playlists, technical music practice, and DJ sets.
Although 170 BPM is objectively fast, songs at this tempo do not always feel intense. Arrangement, rhythm, instrumentation, and drum programming all influence perceived speed. A sparse acoustic track can feel relaxed, while a dense electronic production at the same BPM may sound much faster.
Is 170 BPM Fast?
Yes. Most pop songs fall between roughly 90 and 130 BPM, making 170 BPM significantly quicker. It also overlaps with many drum and bass productions, which commonly use tempos around 170–175 BPM.
Popular Songs With 170 BPM
The songs below are commonly listed around 170 BPM. Exact values may vary slightly depending on the recording, remix, or tempo database.
| Song | Artist | Reported BPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruel Summer | Taylor Swift | 170 | Pop |
| Bad Romance | Lady Gaga | 170 | Dance Pop |
| STAY | The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber | 170 | Pop |
| Bad Blood | Taylor Swift | 170 | Pop |
| Take On Me | a-ha | ~169 | Nearby match |
| Paper Planes | M.I.A. | ~172 | Nearby match |
When building a playlist, tracks between 168 and 172 BPM usually blend naturally while maintaining a consistent energy level.
Why Do Some Songs Show 85 BPM Instead of 170 BPM?
Many tempo analyzers detect the slower pulse instead of the faster beat grid.
85 × 2 = 170 BPM
Both readings describe the same musical relationship. Producers and DJs generally prefer 170 BPM, while some listeners naturally count the broader 85 BPM pulse.
If you’re unsure, verify the song using the site’s Tap Tempo tool or follow a manual method in How to Find the BPM of a Song:
https://tempo-finder.com/blog/how-to-find-bpm-of-a-song/
Are 170 BPM Songs Good for Running?
Many runners enjoy music around 170 BPM because it provides a fast, steady rhythm. However, there is no universal “perfect” running BPM. Your ideal music depends on pace, cadence, experience, and personal preference.
Rather than requiring every track to be exactly 170 BPM, build playlists within a 168–172 BPM window for smoother transitions.
Other Uses for 170 BPM Songs
Music Practice
A metronome at 170 BPM is useful for advanced scales, alternate picking, drum rudiments, and speed-building exercises.
Drum and Bass
170 BPM sits inside the typical drum and bass tempo range. If you’re interested in the genre, see:
https://tempo-finder.com/blog/drum-and-bass-tempo/
DJ Mixing
Tracks close to 170 BPM are easier to beatmatch than songs with large tempo differences. Always check whether your DJ software has analyzed a song at 85 BPM or 170 BPM before mixing.
How to Verify a Song Is 170 BPM
- Tap along with the strongest pulse.
- Count beats for 30 seconds.
- Multiply by 2.
Example:
- 85 beats in 30 seconds
- 85 × 2 = 170 BPM
You can also compare the beat against an online metronome for confirmation.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming every BPM database reports the same value.
- Confusing 85 BPM with an unrelated tempo.
- Choosing songs only by BPM instead of groove and energy.
- Ignoring differences between album, live, and remix versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What popular songs are around 170 BPM?
Examples include Cruel Summer, Bad Romance, STAY, and Bad Blood. Some databases also list nearby tracks around 169–172 BPM.
Is 170 BPM considered fast?
Yes. It is much faster than the average pop song and is common in high-energy electronic music.
Can a 170 BPM song also be 85 BPM?
Yes. Many analyzers detect the half-time pulse at 85 BPM even though the project tempo is 170 BPM.
Are 170 BPM songs good for running?
They can be. Many runners prefer this tempo, but the best choice depends on your natural cadence and workout intensity.
How do I verify a song’s BPM?
Use tap tempo, a BPM analyzer, or count beats manually over 30 seconds and multiply by two.
Olivia Carter is a music technology writer and rhythm analysis specialist at Tempo Finder. She focuses on tempo detection, BPM analysis, beat matching, rhythm tools, and music production workflows for DJs, producers, musicians, and beginners. Olivia creates practical, easy-to-understand content around tempo finding, beat synchronization, metronomes, DJ transitions, and audio timing to help creators improve workflow, accuracy, and musical performance.