Stopwatch
Start, stop, lap and reset a precise stopwatch, with a lap table showing each split and the running total, and one-tap copy for the whole table.
Keyboard: Space start/stop, L lap, R reset.
How the elapsed time is measured
Pressing Start records one timestamp; from then on, elapsed time is the current time minus that timestamp, plus any time accumulated from an earlier run/pause cycle. Pausing ("Stop") adds the segment that just ran to that accumulated total and drops the running timestamp; resuming starts a fresh segment from the moment you resume. Nothing is ever computed by counting ticks, so a background tab that misses render frames for a stretch doesn't cost any accuracy -- the very next update still lands on the exact right elapsed time, down to the hundredth of a second shown on screen.
Reading the lap table
Each lap captures the elapsed time at the moment you press it. The split column is that lap's total minus the previous lap's total -- how long that specific segment took -- while the total column is the running time since the stopwatch started, independent of lap boundaries. Newest laps appear at the top of the table so the most recent split is always visible without scrolling.
Hands-free operation
All three actions -- start/stop, lap, and reset -- are reachable from the keyboard (Space, L, and R respectively) so you can keep your eyes on whatever you're timing instead of the screen, as long as the browser tab has focus and you're not currently typing into a text field elsewhere on the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a stopwatch different from a timer?
A timer counts down from a duration you set to zero; a stopwatch counts up from zero for as long as you let it run, with no set end point. Use the stopwatch when you don't know in advance how long something will take -- a workout, a task, a presentation -- and the Online Timer when you do.
What's the difference between a lap's "split" and its "total"?
Split is how long that individual lap took on its own -- the time since the previous lap button press. Total is the running time since you pressed Start, unaffected by how many laps you've recorded. Both are shown for every lap, most recent at the top.
Does the stopwatch stay accurate if I switch tabs while it's running?
Yes, for the same reason the Online Timer does: elapsed time is computed from the moment you pressed Start (or resumed), not by counting ticks, so a background tab that gets throttled for a while doesn't lose any accuracy -- the next update still shows the exact correct elapsed time.
Can I copy my lap times out of the site?
Yes -- "Copy laps" copies a tab-separated list (lap number, split, total) to your clipboard, ready to paste into a spreadsheet or a note.
What are the keyboard shortcuts?
Space starts or stops the stopwatch, L records a lap while it's running, and R resets everything back to zero.
Every timer here runs entirely in your browser -- nothing you set is sent anywhere. The countdown display isn't a substitute for a certified stopwatch or a safety-critical timing device; see the Terms.