Andantino is an Italian tempo marking meaning “a little walking”. It is usually played at about 80–108 BPM. Andantino is the diminutive of Andante. Most modern players take it slightly faster than Andante, although older sources disagree. The metronome on this page starts at 96 BPM, in the middle of the range.
How fast is Andantino?
Andantino is roughly 80–108 beats per minute. At 80 BPM one beat lasts 750 ms; at 108 BPM it lasts 556 ms. Reference books and metronome makers print slightly different ranges, so treat these as conventions rather than rules.
Beat lengths across the Andantino range
Tempo
Quarter note
Eighth note
One bar of 4/4
80 BPM
750 ms
375 ms
3.00 s
96 BPM
625 ms
313 ms
2.50 s
108 BPM
556 ms
278 ms
2.22 s
What does Andantino mean?
Andantino translates as “a little walking”. Andantino is the diminutive of Andante. Most modern players take it slightly faster than Andante, although older sources disagree.
Andantino compared with neighbouring markings
Andante (76–108 BPM) is the next marking slower. Moderato (108–120 BPM) is the next marking faster. Ranges overlap at the edges, which is why a tempo such as 120 BPM can be described as either Moderato or Allegro.
Practising at Andantino
If a score marks Andantino, start a little above your Andante tempo and adjust to the character of the music. Treat the number as a guide, not a rule.