Online Stopwatch

What is a Stopwatch?

A stopwatch is a simple timing device used to measure how long something takes. This online stopwatch is completely free and requires no installation. It's perfect for timing workouts, cooking, studying, sports activities, or any task that needs precise time tracking.

How to Use the Online Stopwatch

Using this stopwatch is straightforward. Click the "Start" button to begin timing. The display shows minutes, seconds, and centiseconds (hundredths of a second) in MM:SS.ms format. Click "Stop" to pause the timer, and click "Start" again to resume. Use the "Lap" button to record lap times without stopping the timer.

Lap Times Feature

The lap feature is useful for interval training, running sessions, and multi-stage activities. Each time you click "Lap", the current elapsed time is recorded and appears in the lap list below the controls. You can record unlimited laps, and each lap shows the absolute time from when you started the stopwatch.

Exporting Your Results

Once you've recorded your laps, you can copy them quickly or export them as a text file. That makes it easy to save workout records, paste results into notes, or share timings with someone else.

Common Uses for a Stopwatch

• Fitness & Training — Time your runs, workout sets, or interval training sessions.
• Sports — Measure sprint times, lap times in races, or performance metrics.
• Cooking — Monitor cooking times for recipes that require precise timing.
• Studying — Track study sessions or exam time for practice tests.
• Productivity — Time your work blocks or focus sessions.
• Entertainment — Time games, competitions, or challenges with friends.

Tips for Accurate Timing

For the most accurate timing, keep your device steady and start the stopwatch at the exact moment you want to measure. The centisecond display (.00-.99) provides precision to one-hundredth of a second, which is more than adequate for most activities. Remember that network connectivity doesn't affect this tool since everything runs in your browser.

Browser-Based & Privacy

This stopwatch is designed to work directly in your browser so you can start timing right away without creating an account. For a simple session like this, your lap tracking stays local to the page while you use the tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a stopwatch and a timer?

A stopwatch measures elapsed time starting from zero and counts upward. A timer counts downward from a preset time. This tool is a stopwatch. If you need to count down to zero, try our Countdown Timer instead.

Can I close my browser without losing my times?

Once you close your browser, the current session and unsaved laps will be lost. Export your laps to a file if you want to keep them permanently.

Why does the time display sometimes jump?

JavaScript timing can be affected by heavy browser activity or system load. For most practical purposes, this stopwatch is accurate enough. For competitive athletics, use official timing equipment.

How many laps can I record?

You can record as many laps as you want. The display shows them all in a scrollable list so you won't lose any data.