Stopwatch & Timer

Free online stopwatch with lap recording and countdown timer with audio alerts. Large display, precise to centiseconds. Free, private, runs entirely in your browser.

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    Features

    Precision Stopwatch

    Accurate to centiseconds with start, stop, resume, and reset controls. Record unlimited lap times with split and total time tracking.

    Countdown Timer

    Set hours, minutes, and seconds for a custom countdown. Visual progress ring shows remaining time at a glance with smooth animation.

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    Audio Alert

    Countdown timer plays an audio alert using the Web Audio API when time is up. No audio files needed -- sound is generated in the browser.

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    Works Everywhere

    Responsive design works on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Large display numbers are easy to read from a distance.

    About Stopwatch & Timer

    A stopwatch measures elapsed time from a starting point, while a countdown timer counts down from a set duration to zero. Both are essential time management tools used in sports, cooking, productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method, presentations, fitness training, and everyday tasks.

    How the Stopwatch Works

    This stopwatch uses JavaScript's Date.now() method for precise time tracking. When you click Start, the current timestamp is recorded. The display updates every 10 milliseconds, calculating elapsed time as the difference between the current timestamp and the start timestamp plus any previously accumulated time. This approach ensures accuracy even when the browser tab is in the background, as the elapsed time is calculated from absolute timestamps rather than counting intervals.

    How the Countdown Timer Works

    The countdown timer converts your input hours, minutes, and seconds to milliseconds and tracks remaining time using the same timestamp-based approach. A circular SVG progress ring provides visual feedback on the remaining time. When the countdown reaches zero, the Web Audio API generates a series of alternating tones to alert you.

    Lap Times

    The stopwatch supports recording unlimited lap times. Each lap records both the split time (time elapsed during that specific lap) and the total elapsed time. Laps are displayed in reverse chronological order so the most recent lap is always visible at the top.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How accurate is this online stopwatch?
    This stopwatch uses Date.now() for timing, which provides millisecond accuracy. The display updates every 10 milliseconds, showing time in hours:minutes:seconds.centiseconds format. While browser-based timers are not suitable for scientific measurements requiring sub-millisecond precision, they are more than adequate for general timing needs, sports, cooking, and productivity tracking.
    Does the countdown timer play a sound when it finishes?
    Yes, the countdown timer plays an audio alert using the Web Audio API when the timer reaches zero. The alert consists of alternating tones at 880Hz and 660Hz that play for about 2 seconds. No audio files are needed -- the sound is generated entirely in your browser using JavaScript oscillators.
    Can I record lap times with the stopwatch?
    Yes, while the stopwatch is running, click the Lap button to record split times. Each lap entry shows the lap number, the time elapsed during that specific lap (split time), and the total elapsed time. Laps are displayed in reverse chronological order with the most recent lap at the top. You can record unlimited laps.
    Does this timer work in the background?
    Yes, both the stopwatch and countdown timer use Date.now() for time tracking rather than relying solely on setInterval. This means even if the browser throttles the interval when the tab is in the background, the actual elapsed time is calculated correctly when the tab becomes active again. The display will jump to the correct time.
    Is this stopwatch and timer free to use?
    Yes, this stopwatch and countdown timer is completely free with no sign-up, no ads, and no limitations. It runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data is collected or sent to any server. You can use it as many times as you like with no restrictions.

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