How does time signature work in music?

Time signature in music indicates the number of beats in each measure and the type of note that receives one beat. It is written as a fraction at the beginning of a piece of music. The top number represents the number of beats per measure, while the bottom number indicates the type of note that receives one beat. For example, in 4/4 time signature, there are 4 beats per measure and a quarter note receives one beat.