Free Online Stopwatch
Start, stop, and lap with a precise online stopwatch. Centisecond timing that ke...Start, stop, and lap with a precise online stopwatch. Centisecond timing that keeps running in a background tab and survives an accidental reload.
Updated
Shortcuts: Space start or stop, L lap, R reset. Your time is saved, so a reload keeps it running.
Quick answer
An online stopwatch measures elapsed time in your browser, with start, stop, and lap buttons and no app to install. It counts up in hours, minutes, seconds, and centiseconds, and records lap and split times so you can compare segments. Because timing is calculated from real timestamps, it stays accurate in a background tab and continues from the right time even after an accidental page reload.
Stopwatch Features
Why Use Free Online Stopwatch?
Centisecond Precision, No Drift
Time is measured against a real timestamp instead of counting a number up every tick, so the reading stays accurate to the hundredth of a second even if your device is busy or the tab sits in the background.
Lap and Split Times
Tap Lap while the clock runs to record each segment. Every lap shows its split and the running total, newest on top, with the fastest and slowest laps highlighted so you can compare at a glance.
Survives a Reload
The running state is saved in your browser, so an accidental refresh or a closed tab does not lose your time. Reopen the page and the stopwatch picks up exactly where it should be.
Runs in a Background Tab
The elapsed time appears in the browser tab title, and because timing comes from timestamps it stays correct while you work in another tab and jumps to the right value the moment you return.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Press Space to start or stop, L to record a lap, and R to reset. The controls are also large tap targets so the stopwatch works one-handed on a phone.
No Sign-Up, In Your Browser
Open the page and start timing. There is no account, no download, and no upload. Everything runs locally in your browser using plain JavaScript.
Common Uses for the Stopwatch
Workouts and Intervals
Time sets, rounds, and rest with laps for each interval.
Running and Sports
Track lap and split times on a track or in the pool.
Study and Focus
Measure how long a task or study session actually takes.
Cooking and Brewing
Count up while steeping tea, brewing coffee, or resting dough.
Experiments and Labs
Time reactions and steps with precise split readings.
Talks and Practice
See exactly how long a speech or rehearsal runs.
How It Works
Press Start
Tap the Start button or press the Space bar to begin timing. The display counts up in hours, minutes, seconds, and centiseconds.
Record Laps
While the clock runs, tap Lap or press L to capture a split. Each lap shows its own segment time and the total elapsed, with the fastest and slowest laps marked.
Stop or Reset
Press Stop to freeze the time, Resume to continue, or Reset to clear everything back to zero. Your run is saved, so a reload keeps it going.
Tips and Best Practices
Use Laps to Compare Segments
Tap Lap at the end of each round or interval. The fastest and slowest laps are highlighted so you can spot your best and worst segments instantly.
Watch It From Another Tab
The elapsed time shows in the browser tab title, so you can leave the stopwatch open and glance at the tab while you work in another one.
Learn the Shortcuts
Space starts and stops, L records a lap, and R resets. They make the stopwatch quick to drive without reaching for the mouse.