Music: Why is 4/4 so common of a time signature?

I get that 4/4 is the most common time signature, so much so that’s it’s literally called “common time”

My question is WHY is it so common?
What makes 4/4 so good of a time signature that’s it’s so popular?

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SW-User

It's simple and easy, like a walking rhythm, which is why it's also called March Time (as in marching bands).

GJOFJ3 · 61-69, M

With four steady beats in each measure, it provides for a very stable rhythm.

XenonRush · M

Thanks for the good insight! Do you know much music theory?
@GJOFJ3

SW-User

symmetry and easily divided

XenonRush · M

Thanks. Great comment, as always! How is it easily divided though?
@SW-User

SW-User

@XenonRush
4/4 music will contain 4 beats in each measure. these beats [i]could[/i] contain half, quarter, eighth notes or rests, just so long as the note and rest values combine to the value of the top number of the time signature, which is 4.

this is why music in schools helps math scores :)

Mamapolo2016 · F

It only requires the ability to count to four.

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