BPM
Beats per minute; the standard measurement of tempo in modern music.
In Depth
BPM provides a precise, numerical tempo indication that replaced subjective Italian tempo markings in popular music. DJs use BPM to beatmatch tracks, producers set their DAW's tempo in BPM, and fitness instructors choose music by BPM to match exercise intensity. Common BPM ranges include hip-hop (70-100), house (120-130), techno (125-150), drum and bass (160-180), and ballads (60-80).
Most people's natural walking pace is approximately 120 BPM, which is why so much pop and dance music gravitates to that tempo; it literally feels like moving.