Elapsed time
The complete time counted across running periods. In contrast, paused time is excluded.
Online Stopwatch
Use our free online stopwatch to measure elapsed time, pause and resume accurately, and record lap and split times directly in your browser. Additionally, calculations run privately on your device using a high-precision clock.
Time an activity
Press Start to begin. The display uses hours, minutes, seconds and centiseconds.
Stopwatch controls
Elapsed time
Hours : minutes : seconds . centiseconds
Ready to start.
- Status
- Ready
- Laps
- 0
- Last split
- —
Lap records
Split is the time since the previous lap; total is the full elapsed time.
No laps recorded
Start the stopwatch, then select Record lap.
| Lap | Split time | Total time |
|---|
Browser processing: timing and lap records stay on this device.
No sign-up: start timing immediately without an account.
Drift resistant: elapsed time is calculated from a monotonic browser clock.
What the Online Stopwatch Results Mean
The main display shows total elapsed time. Furthermore, each lap record includes a split time for that individual interval and a total time measured from when the stopwatch first started.
Lap and split time
Specifically, a lap marks a checkpoint. Its split is the duration since the previous checkpoint or initial start.
How to Use the Online Stopwatch
Time an activity and capture checkpoints in three simple steps.
-
Start timing
First, select Start when the activity begins. The same control changes to Pause while the stopwatch is running.
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Record laps
Next, select Record lap at each checkpoint to save both the latest split and the total elapsed time.
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Pause or reset
Finally, pause to stop counting temporarily, Resume to continue, or Reset to clear the timer and all lap records.
How the Online Stopwatch Calculation Works
Specifically, the online stopwatch reads the browser’s monotonic clock. Instead of assuming that every screen update represents a fixed amount of time, it subtracts the starting timestamp from the current timestamp. As a result, this avoids the accumulating drift common with counter-based timers.
Elapsed time = previously accumulated running time + (current timestamp − latest start timestamp)
The visible display refreshes with the browser’s animation cycle, but the calculation is based on timestamps. Therefore, if the tab becomes inactive and visual updates slow down, the correct elapsed time appears when the page is visible again.
Worked Online Stopwatch Example and Timing Rules
A practical example shows how total and split times differ.
Worked example
For example, you record lap 1 at 00:01:20.50 and lap 2 at 00:02:45.80. Consequently, lap 2 has a total time of 2 minutes 45.80 seconds and a split time of 1 minute 25.30 seconds.
Important timing rules
In addition, paused time is not counted. Reset removes the elapsed time and every lap. Displayed centiseconds are rounded down from measured milliseconds.
Common Online Stopwatch Use Cases
Use lap timing whenever an activity has measurable stages or repeated rounds.
Exercise and training
For instance, time runs, circuits, recovery periods, and individual workout rounds with our free digital online stopwatch.
Study and productivity
Similarly, measure focused work sessions, practice tasks, and timed exercises using an online lap timer.
Events and experiments
In fact, track presentations, games, demonstrations, and repeated test intervals smoothly.
Online Stopwatch FAQs
Is this online stopwatch accurate?
Specifically, it uses the browser’s monotonic performance clock and calculates elapsed time from timestamps, which reduces software timer drift. Consequently, it is suitable for everyday timing but is not certified laboratory equipment.
Does the online stopwatch keep running in a background tab?
Yes. In fact, screen refreshes may slow while the tab is inactive, but the elapsed-time calculation continues from timestamps and catches up when you return.
What is the difference between lap time and split time?
On this page, each lap is a recorded checkpoint. Its split time is the duration since the previous checkpoint, while total time is the duration since the online stopwatch began.
Does pausing add time to the result?
No. Time spent paused is excluded. Selecting Resume continues from the elapsed time already recorded.
Are my stopwatch records uploaded or saved?
No. In fact, the timer and lap records are processed only in the current browser page. Resetting or closing the page clears them.
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