⏱️ Free Online Stopwatch
A precise online stopwatch with start, pause, reset, and lap recording. Track workout times, cooking, or any timed activity.
What is this tool?
Our free online stopwatch measures time with millisecond precision, right in your browser. Use the Start button to begin timing, Pause to stop, and Lap to record the current split time without stopping. The Reset button clears everything and returns to zero. Whether you are timing a workout, a cooking step, a speech, or a science experiment, this stopwatch is accurate and completely private — nothing leaves your device.
How it works
The stopwatch measures elapsed time by comparing the current timestamp against the start timestamp using Date.now(). The display updates several times per second to stay smooth. Each Lap press stores the time since the previous lap, so you can review individual splits. Accuracy is limited only by your browser's timer resolution, which is well under a millisecond for practical use.
How to use
- Click Start to begin timing.
- Click Lap whenever you want to record a split.
- Click Pause to freeze the time, or Reset to start over.
- Review your lap list below the timer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the stopwatch?
It uses your device's clock with millisecond display precision. For everyday timing like workouts and cooking, it is more than accurate enough.
Can I keep timing in the background?
Yes, the elapsed time continues to accumulate even if you switch tabs, as long as the page stays open.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, the stopwatch is fully touch-friendly and works on any phone or tablet browser.
Why does my browser slow down timers in background tabs?
Some browsers throttle background tabs to save power, which can slightly affect timer smoothness. Keep the tab visible for the most accurate display.
Tips & Advice
For interval workouts, use Lap at each round boundary and compare split times afterward. For cooking, reset before starting each step. If you need to measure several tasks in a row, keep a mental note of the lap count so your lap list stays organized.