What Is Stopwatch?
A Stopwatch is a timer that counts up from zero and measures how long something takes. Unlike a countdown timer, which counts down to zero, a stopwatch simply records elapsed time, which makes it the right tool for workouts, presentations, speeches, races and any task where you want to know how long it really took.
This online Stopwatch counts up to hundredths of a second and records laps. Each lap shows a split time, how long that lap took, and a total time, how long has passed since you pressed Start. The timing is calculated from your device clock rather than counting ticks, so it stays accurate even when the browser slows down background tabs. Everything runs in your browser, with nothing to install and nothing to sign up for.
How to Use Stopwatch
- Press Start to begin timing. The display counts up in minutes, seconds and hundredths.
- Press Stop to pause, and press Resume to continue from the same time.
- Press Lap while the stopwatch is running to record a split time and a total time.
- Press Reset to clear the time and all laps and start over.
- Read the laps list to compare splits between rounds, sets or speakers.
- Keep the page open while timing. The stopwatch stays accurate even if you switch tabs.
Key Features of Our Stopwatch
- Counts up to hundredths of a second
- Start, stop, resume and reset in one click
- Lap button records split times and total times
- Accurate timing that keeps up even when the tab is in the background
- Clean, large display that is easy to read at a glance
- Works on phones, tablets and desktop computers
- No sign-up, no limits and no data sent to a server
Benefits of Using an Online Stopwatch
A stopwatch turns a vague feeling of "that took a while" into an exact number. Athletes use laps to compare rounds, speakers use it to rehearse within a time limit, and teams use it to see how long recurring tasks really take, which makes planning far more realistic.
Because this Stopwatch runs in your browser, there is nothing to install and nothing to sign up for. Open the page, press Start and you are timing.
Your privacy comes first. The Stopwatch runs entirely in your web browser. Nothing you enter is sent to our servers, which keeps your data private and makes results appear instantly. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Common Use Cases for Stopwatch
- Timing workouts, runs, swims and training sets
- Rehearsing speeches and presentations within a time limit
- Measuring how long a task or meeting actually takes
- Timing laps in races, games and speed tests
- Tracking cooking, experiments and lab work
- Timing study sessions and reading
- Comparing split times across rounds or attempts
- Running timed quizzes and classroom activities
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Press Lap at the same point in every round so your splits are comparable.
- For presentations, rehearse with the stopwatch running and note where you are at each minute mark.
- If you need to time something longer than an hour, the display adds an hours figure automatically.
- Use the laps list to spot which round was slowest, then work on that one.
- Keep the page open until you finish. Refreshing the page clears the time and laps.
- For very short intervals, start the stopwatch a beat before the action begins.
Stopwatch FAQ
How accurate is this stopwatch?
The stopwatch measures time with your device clock and updates every 33 milliseconds, so it shows hundredths of a second. It is accurate enough for workouts, presentations and timing tasks, though it is not a certified timing device.
What is the difference between a split and a total time?
The split time is how long the latest lap took, and the total time is how long has passed since you pressed Start. Both are shown for every lap you record.
Will the stopwatch keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. The stopwatch calculates elapsed time from the clock rather than counting ticks, so it stays accurate even when your browser slows down background tabs. Keep the page open until you press Stop.
Is there a limit on the number of laps?
No. You can record as many laps as you like. New laps appear at the top of the list.
Does the stopwatch work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, the stopwatch keeps working without an internet connection.
Is my timing data saved anywhere?
No. The stopwatch runs entirely in your browser and your laps disappear when you close or refresh the page.