Countdown Timer & Stopwatch: how to use it
A short guide to the timer and stopwatch — setting and sharing a countdown, timing laps, and why it stays accurate.
Open the Timer & Stopwatch →What this tool does
The Countdown Timer & Stopwatch is two tools in one: a countdown that beeps when it reaches zero, and a stopwatch that counts up with lap times. Both run in your browser, with nothing to install.
Using the timer
- Enter hours, minutes, and seconds, or tap a preset (1, 5, 10, 25 minutes).
- Press Start; use it again to pause and resume.
- At zero, the display turns red and a tone plays.
- Press Share to copy a link that preloads the same duration — handy for study sprints or class activities.
Using the stopwatch
- Switch to the Stopwatch tab.
- Press Start, then Lap to record split times.
- Reset clears the time and laps.
Why it stays accurate
The countdown tracks a target timestamp rather than counting ticks, so it doesn't drift — even if your browser throttles background tabs, the display corrects itself when you return. The stopwatch measures elapsed time the same way for the same reason.
Great for
- Focused study or work sprints (try the 25-minute preset).
- Cooking and baking.
- Workouts, intervals, and rest periods.
- Timed games and presentations.
It runs locally
Nothing is uploaded — the timer and stopwatch work entirely in your browser.
FAQ
Does it keep time if I switch tabs?
Yes — it's based on a target time, so it stays accurate and catches up when you return.
Can I share a timer?
Yes — Share copies a link that preloads the duration.
Is anything uploaded?
No — it all runs in your browser.
Ready to try it? Open the Timer & Stopwatch →