Each time signature tells how many beats are in a measure and what note value gets one beat. In 2/4, there are 2 beats per measure; in 3/4, there are 3 beats; in 4/4, there are 4 beats; and in 6/8, there are 6 beats grouped into two sets of three. The rhythmic patterns above fit the required number of beats in each time signature, showing how rhythm changes depending on the meter.