Track time with precision. Start, pause, lap, and reset whenever you need.
00:00.00
Hit Start to begin timing. Use Lap to record split times, Pause to hold, and Reset to clear.
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What is the Stopwatch?
A stopwatch is a digital timing device that counts up from zero and displays elapsed seconds, minutes, and hours. Unlike a countdown timer, a stopwatch begins at 0:00 and runs continuously until you stop it. Lap functionality lets you mark split times within a single run, useful for tracking multiple intervals or workout segments without restarting.
How it works
When you click 'Start,' the stopwatch begins counting up in real time. Each display refresh updates the elapsed time in hours:minutes:seconds.milliseconds format. Clicking 'Lap' records the current time while the stopwatch keeps running, creating a history of split times. Click 'Stop' to pause the timer at any moment; you can then resume, reset to zero, or view your lap history.
Examples
Input
Result
Notes
Running a 5 km jog: start stopwatch at the beginning
Timer displays 27:43 (27 minutes 43 seconds) when you finish
Exact pace tracking without wearing a watch; compare multiple run times to monitor improvement.
Cooking pasta: start when water boils, lap when pasta goes in
First lap: 3:15 (boiling time), second lap: 11:45 total (9:30 cooking time)
Lap feature isolates each step; useful when recipes have multiple timed stages.
Lap history shows exact split times for each interval without restarting the stopwatch.
How to use the Stopwatch
Open the stopwatch tool in your browser—no installation or app download needed.
Click the 'Start' button to begin counting from 0:00.
Press 'Lap' whenever you want to mark a split time (running pace, workout round, recipe stage).
Click 'Stop' to pause the timer at any moment.
Review your lap times in the list below the stopwatch display.
Press 'Reset' to clear and start fresh, or continue from the stopped time by clicking 'Start' again.
Benefits
Accurate to the millisecond—no need for a physical stopwatch or smart watch.
Lap timing captures multiple intervals in one run, ideal for workouts with varied paces or multi-step recipes.
Free and instant: zero sign-up, zero ads, works on phone, tablet, and desktop.
Simple, distraction-free interface—just tap Start, Stop, and Lap; no confusing menus or settings.
Lap history is visible during timing, so you can monitor splits in real time and adjust pace on the fly.
Useful for anything timed: fitness, cooking, presentations, meditation, study intervals, games, or productivity sprints.
Tips & common mistakes
Common mistakes
Forgetting to tap 'Lap' before stopping; if you want split times, lap first—they won't be recorded retroactively after you stop.
Confusing stopwatch (counts up) with a countdown timer (counts down); this tool starts at 0:00 and goes forward.
Not pausing before navigating away; closing the browser tab will reset the timer, so 'Stop' before leaving.
Relying solely on stopwatch splits for workout data; combine lap times with distance or reps for better training insight.
Tips
Use lap timing for interval training: lap every round or set, then review splits to see which were fastest or slowest.
Keep your phone or laptop in sight and tap Stop immediately when an activity ends; even 1–2 second delays add up.
Screenshot or note down important lap times if you need to use them later; refresh the page will clear lap history.
Combine stopwatch splits with a note-taking app: log 'Sprint 1: 0:45, Sprint 2: 0:43' to track trends over weeks.
Use it to time daily routines (morning prep, lunch break, evening wind-down) to build awareness of how long tasks actually take.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this stopwatch?
The stopwatch is accurate to the millisecond (0.001 seconds) based on your device's clock. Typical accuracy is within 10–50 milliseconds, which is fine for most everyday timing. For elite sport or scientific work requiring sub-millisecond precision, use specialized hardware.
Can I use this on my phone while doing other things?
Yes. The stopwatch runs in your mobile browser. You can switch to other apps (like music or fitness tracking) and return to this tab to check your time, though some phones may pause JavaScript if browser tabs run in the background; keep the tab active for best results.
What happens to my lap times if I refresh the page?
Lap history is stored only in your browser's current session. If you refresh, close the tab, or clear browser data, lap times are lost. Copy or screenshot important splits before closing if you need them for records.
Can I set a specific time goal and have the stopwatch alert me when I reach it?
This stopwatch counts up and does not have built-in alerts. For time-based reminders, use a countdown timer tool or your device's native alerts (phone alarm, kitchen timer app).
How many lap times can I record?
There is no practical limit. You can lap as many times as you need during a single stopwatch session. Lap history is displayed in a scrollable list.
Is there a way to share my stopwatch results?
Screenshot your final stopwatch time and lap list, then share the image. If you need to export times, copy them manually or use your phone's built-in screenshot feature to save for records or social sharing.