Stopwatch & Timer

Stopwatch & Countdown Timer

A precise and easy-to-use online tool for tracking elapsed time with a stopwatch or counting down to an event. Perfect for workouts, cooking, meetings, and more. No downloads or sign-ups needed.

Stopwatch

00:00:00.00

Countdown Timer

00:05:00
How to Use This Stopwatch & Timer

Our Stopwatch & Timer tool is designed to be simple and intuitive. Here's how to use both features:

Stopwatch:

  • Start: Click the "Start" button to begin timing. The display will show elapsed time in hours, minutes, seconds, and hundredths of a second.
  • Lap: While the stopwatch is running, click the "Lap" button to record the current elapsed time. The lap time will appear in the list below the buttons.
  • Pause: Click the "Start" button again (which now says "Pause") to temporarily stop the timer. The time will freeze.
  • Resume: Click the "Start" button (now "Resume") to continue timing from where you left off.
  • Reset: Click the "Clear" button to reset the stopwatch, clear the elapsed time, and remove all lap records.

Countdown Timer:

  • Set Time: Use the input fields for Hours, Minutes, and Seconds to set your desired countdown duration. The default is 5 minutes.
  • Start: Click the "Start" button to begin the countdown. The display will update in real-time.
  • Pause: Click the "Start" button again (now "Pause") to temporarily stop the countdown.
  • Resume: Click the "Start" button (now "Resume") to continue the countdown from the paused time.
  • Reset: Click the "Reset" button to stop the timer and return the inputs to their original values.
  • Alert: When the timer reaches zero, the display will turn red and pulse to grab your attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this tool accurate?
A: Yes, both the stopwatch and timer use the browser's high-resolution time API for maximum accuracy, ensuring precise time tracking down to hundredths of a second.
Q: Will the timer still count down if I switch tabs or minimize the browser?
A: Modern browsers may throttle background tabs to save resources, which can affect the timer's precision when not in focus. For critical timing, keep the tab active. The stopwatch will also pause if the tab is backgrounded for a long time.
Q: Can I set a timer for longer than 99 hours?
A: The current input limit is 99 hours. For longer durations, you might consider using multiple timers or our Date Calculator tool to find the difference between dates.
Q: Are my lap times or timer settings saved?
A: For privacy, lap times and timer settings are not automatically saved. However, the tool uses your browser's local storage to remember the last timer duration you set, so it's pre-filled the next time you visit.
Q: Why does the timer turn red and blink at the end?
A: This visual and animation cue is designed to make it easy to notice when the countdown has finished, even if you are not actively looking at the screen.

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About This Stopwatch & Timer

Time management and precision timing are essential in many aspects of life, from athletic training to cooking perfect meals, and from managing work projects to ensuring you don't overstay a parking meter. The Ideal Tools Stopwatch & Timer provides a reliable, feature-rich solution right in your browser.

Unlike mobile apps or desktop software, this web-based tool requires no installation, updates automatically, and works seamlessly across all your devices. Whether you need to track the duration of an event with the stopwatch or count down to an important moment with the timer, this tool offers the accuracy and ease of use you need.

Built with performance and user experience in mind, it ensures smooth operation even when recording numerous lap times or running long countdowns. Start timing your next task with confidence!