What does a time signature of 2/8 indicate?

A time signature of 2/8 indicates that there are 2 beats in each measure (or bar) and that the unit of measurement is the eighth note. This means each measure consists of two eighth notes. In this case, the upper number (2) signifies the number of beats in a measure, while the lower number (8) indicates that the eighth note gets one beat.

Understanding time signatures is essential as it affects the rhythm and feel of the music being played. In the context of a 2/8 time signature, music typically has a quick, lively feel, often found in certain styles like folk or dance music, where energy and movement are paramount.