| Lap | Time | Split |
|---|
What is the difference between a stopwatch and a countdown timer?
A stopwatch measures elapsed time from start to stop. A countdown timer counts down from a set time to zero and sounds an alarm when done.
Is there a sound alarm?
Yes. The countdown timer plays an alarm tone generated in your browser when it reaches zero.
Can I record laps?
Yes. The stopwatch Lap button records split and total times for each lap during a run.
What are the keyboard shortcuts?
Space starts or pauses, R resets, and L records a lap on the stopwatch tab.
Is this timer free?
Yes. It is free with no signup and runs entirely in your browser.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. The layout is responsive and works in any mobile browser.
Is the timing accurate?
Timing is based on your device clock and updates every tenth of a second for the stopwatch.
Can I run it in the background?
The timer keeps running while the tab is open, though heavy background load on the device can affect precision.
Do I need to download anything?
No. It is a browser tool with no install or app required.
Can I use it for workouts?
Yes. The lap feature makes it handy for interval training, runs, and circuit sessions.
An online stopwatch measures elapsed time from the moment you press start, while a countdown timer counts down from a set duration and alerts you when it reaches zero. Our free tool combines both in one tab: a stopwatch with lap recording and a countdown timer with an alarm sound, all running in your browser with no download.
A stopwatch is perfect for workouts and interval training, cooking, and presentation rehearsals. The countdown timer handles study sessions, meeting countdowns, and kitchen timers. It pairs naturally with the Pomodoro timer for focused work blocks and the meeting cost calculator when you want to see what a session is costing.
A stopwatch answers "how long did this take?" — useful when the duration is unknown. A countdown timer answers "how long until zero?" — useful when you have a fixed limit. Both are more reliable than glancing at a clock because the display is always visible and the alarm removes the need to watch.
Press Space to start or pause, R to reset, and L to record a lap on the stopwatch tab. The shortcuts ignore typing in input fields, so you can drive the timer without touching the mouse.
The alarm is synthesized in the browser with the Web Audio API, so no audio file is downloaded and nothing is uploaded. Timing uses your device clock and continues accurately while the tab is open.
The lap feature is more than a stopwatch button. Each lap stores both its own time and the split — the gap since the previous lap — so you can compare intervals directly. Coaches use splits to see whether an athlete slowed on the final rep; developers use them to benchmark how long each step of a build takes. Because the table shows the most recent lap on top, you always see the latest interval first without scrolling.
