The Math of Track Duration (Long Song Rule)

The Statutory Long Song Rule

Under the regulations set by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), physical formats (vinyl, CD, cassette) and permanent digital downloads (PDDs) are subject to a dual-rate statutory mechanic:

• For tracks 5 minutes or under: The flat statutory mechanical rate is applied (e.g., 12.4¢ in 2024).
• For tracks over 5 minutes: The Long Song Rule is triggered. Instead of the flat rate, you round any fraction of a minute *upward* to the next whole minute and multiply by the statutory per-minute rate (e.g., $0.0239 in 2024).

The royalty owed per composition is whichever is greater of the two rates.

Mathematical Definition Let: - $U$ = Units sold/distributed - $F$ = Statutory flat rate ($0.1240 for 2024) - $M$ = Per-minute rate ($0.0239 for 2024) - $D$ = Track duration in seconds

$$\text{Royalty} = U \times \max(F, M \times \lceil D / 60 \rceil)$$

Practical Walkthrough If an epic track is 8 minutes and 15 seconds long: 1. Divide seconds by 60 and round up: $\lceil 495 / 60 \rceil = 9$ minutes. 2. Multiply by the per-minute rate: $9 \times \$0.0239 = \$0.2151$. 3. Compare to flat rate: $\$0.2151 > \$0.1240$. 4. The statutory mechanical royalty is $0.2151 per unit sold.