Everyday tool

Stopwatch

Free online stopwatch with start, stop, lap, and reset. Centisecond precision, keyboard shortcuts, runs locally in your browser.

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How to use

Follow these steps for a clear answer.

Press Start (or Space) to begin measuring elapsed time.

Use Lap to record a split without stopping, or Stop to pause.

Clear the timer and laps when you are done (R on desktop).

Version 2.0.0 · Last reviewed 2026-07-28

Definition: A stopwatch measures elapsed time from a start moment, optionally recording intermediate lap times.
What it calculates: Elapsed milliseconds from Start, with optional lap list and pause/resume.
Inputs: Start / Stop toggle
Lap (optional splits)
Reset
Outputs: Elapsed time as MM:SS.cc
Ordered lap list
Formula: elapsed = accumulated + (now − startAt) while running
The Stopwatch measures elapsed time with centisecond precision. Start, stop, record laps, and reset—ideal for workouts, labs, cooking steps, or any task where you need to know how long something takes.

Controls sit under a large elapsed readout so you can operate on mobile without scrolling past a chart. Timing never leaves your device.
Assumptions: Uses the device Date.now() clock.
Paused time is held in accumulated milliseconds.
Laps store total elapsed at the moment of Lap.
Units: Time: minutes, seconds, centiseconds
Boundary conditions: Lap with zero elapsed does nothing.
Reset clears elapsed time and all laps.
Background tabs may throttle timers; keep the tab open for best continuity.
Example: Start → Lap at 00:12.50 → Stop at 00:45.10 → two laps and paused total
Validation cases: Start then Stop → Elapsed freezes; Start resumes
Lap while running → New lap row; main clock continues
Reset → 00:00.00 and empty laps
Sources: Browser Date.now() monotonic wall-clock sampling
Last reviewed: 2026-07-28
Calculation version: 2.0.0

Key distinctions behind the tool.

Is the online stopwatch free?

Yes. Start, stop, lap, and reset with no account and no download.

Does it support lap times?

Yes. Press Lap while timing (or L on a keyboard) to record splits without stopping the main clock.

How precise is the display?

The readout shows minutes, seconds, and centiseconds using your device clock.

Are there keyboard shortcuts?

On desktop, Space starts or stops, L records a lap, and R resets.

Is timing sent to a server?

No. Elapsed time and laps stay in your browser.