Stopwatch
Lap Times
No laps recorded yet. Press the "Lap" button while the stopwatch is running to record lap times.
Statistics
Tips
• Press Start to begin the stopwatch
• Press Lap to record a lap time while the stopwatch is running
• Press Pause to temporarily stop the stopwatch
• Press Reset to clear all lap times and return to zero
• Fastest and slowest laps are automatically highlighted
Keyboard Shortcuts
Related Tools
What is a Stopwatch?
A stopwatch is a precision time-keeping device designed to measure the amount of time elapsed from when it is activated to when it is deactivated. Unlike a regular clock or timer, a stopwatch focuses on duration rather than specific time of day, making it perfect for measuring performance, activities, and events.
Our free online stopwatch offers all the functionality of a physical stopwatch with additional benefits. It features precise timing to the millisecond, lap recording to track multiple segments of an activity, and an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that works on any device with a web browser.
Whether you're timing a race, tracking workout intervals, monitoring cooking times, or measuring any other activity where precision timing matters, our online stopwatch provides a reliable, accessible solution that's always available when you need it.
Common Uses for a Stopwatch
Sports and Athletics
Track race times, swimming laps, running intervals, and athletic performances with precision. Coaches and athletes rely on accurate timing to measure progress and set training goals based on performance metrics.
Fitness and Workouts
Time exercise intervals, rest periods, and workout segments for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and other fitness routines that require precise timing to maximize effectiveness.
Education and Testing
Monitor time during exams, presentations, and timed classroom activities. Teachers can use the stopwatch to ensure fair time allocation for group work, while students can practice time management for test preparation.
Cooking and Food Preparation
Precisely time cooking processes that require careful monitoring, such as brewing coffee, steeping tea, or cooking eggs to perfection. The lap function allows tracking multiple dishes being prepared simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the online stopwatch?
Our online stopwatch is highly accurate, measuring time down to the millisecond. While the exact precision may vary slightly based on your device's performance and browser, the timing is reliable for most practical purposes including sports, workouts, and educational activities. For professional timing applications, specialized equipment may be required.
How do I use the lap timing feature?
To use the lap timing feature, first start the stopwatch by clicking the "Start" button. While the stopwatch is running, click the "Lap" button each time you want to record a segment time. Each lap will be listed below the main timer, showing both the lap time (duration of that specific segment) and the total elapsed time. This feature is particularly useful for tracking split times in races, intervals in workouts, or multiple repetitions of an activity.
Can I save or export my recorded times?
Currently, our stopwatch allows you to copy the recorded times to your clipboard for pasting into another application. To do this, look for the "Copy Results" button that appears after you've recorded lap times or stopped the timer. You can then paste these results into a spreadsheet, document, or note-taking app for further analysis or record-keeping. We're working on adding direct export functionality in future updates.
Does the stopwatch work if my screen is locked or if I switch to another tab?
Our stopwatch continues to run in the background if you switch to another browser tab or application. However, if your device goes to sleep or the browser is closed, the timer may pause or reset depending on your device's settings. For critical timing situations, we recommend keeping the stopwatch tab active and ensuring your device stays awake throughout the timing session.
Is this stopwatch free to use?
Absolutely! Our stopwatch is completely free to use with no limitations or hidden fees. There's no need to create an account or download any software - it works directly in your web browser and offers all features at no cost, including unlimited lap timing and precision to the millisecond.