Online Stopwatch
Online stopwatch with start, stop, reset and lap timer showing elapsed time in hours, minutes, seconds and milliseconds
00:00.00
hh:mm:ss.ms
A simple stopwatch timer with lap recording functionality.
Online Stopwatch Basics
An online stopwatch measures elapsed time in real time. Standard features: start/stop/reset, lap timing (record split times without stopping), millisecond precision (0.01s typical). Works in browser without installation; runs locally so no internet needed once loaded. Useful for: workouts, cooking, work sessions (Pomodoro), sports practice, parents timing children's tasks.
Different from a timer (which counts down to zero) - a stopwatch counts up from zero. Most online stopwatches handle: pause and resume, reset to zero, record laps (multiple split times), keep running in background tabs (browser-permitting). Some include audio cues at intervals (helpful for interval training). Phone stopwatches work the same way, sometimes with vibration feedback.
Stopwatch Common Uses
| Use case | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Workout intervals | 30 sec - 5 min sets |
| Pomodoro work sessions | 25 minutes |
| Cooking timer | Specific recipe times |
| Sports lap times | Track running splits |
| Speech rehearsal | Aim for time limit |
| Reading speed | Words per minute |
| Meditation | 5-30 min sessions |
| Shower / bath time | Reduce water usage |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it keep running if I close the tab?
No - browser tabs stop running when closed. Most stopwatches pause if the tab loses focus. Use phone or dedicated app for backgrounded timing. Some browser tools store time in localStorage so reopening the tab resumes from where you left off.
How accurate is browser timing?
Within milliseconds for short durations (under 1 hour). For longer durations, browser energy-saving features can introduce small inaccuracies (1-2 seconds per hour). Phone stopwatches are more accurate for multi-hour timing because they have OS-level priority.