Online Stopwatch - Free Stopwatch with Lap Times
A stopwatch is a digital timing tool that measures elapsed time from the moment you press start until you stop it, with an optional lap timer for recording split times along the way. Use this free online stopwatch to time any task, workout, or presentation with a precise start, stop, and lap stopwatch with laps - track individual lap times, view your total elapsed time down to the centisecond, and switch to a fullscreen large-digit display for projectors or sports timing, all free and ad-free.
Quick answer: Click "Start" to begin timing, "Lap" to record split times without stopping the clock, and "Pause" to stop the count. This digital stopwatch runs natively in your browser and supports a distraction-free fullscreen mode with extra-large digits.
Last updated: June 15 2026
Reviewed by the QuickTooly Team - led by a Senior Software Engineer specializing in productivity tools, web performance, and technical SEO. This tool was built and tested across major browsers to verify timing accuracy and lap tracking before publishing.
Online Stopwatch Guide
How the Online Stopwatch Works
This stopwatch measures elapsed time using your browser's high-precision timer, displaying hours, minutes, seconds, and centiseconds. Click "Start" to begin timing, "Pause" to stop the count without resetting, and "Reset" to return to zero. While the stopwatch is running, click "Lap" to record split times - each lap shows both the time since the previous lap and the total elapsed time. If you need to structure work into timed intervals with breaks instead of tracking elapsed time, try the Pomodoro Timer instead.
Why Use QuickTooly's Online Stopwatch?
- Precise timing: Elapsed time is calculated from your browser's high-resolution timer, so the display stays accurate to the centisecond even during long sessions.
- Lap timer tracking: Record as many lap splits as you need without stopping the clock - perfect for tracking intervals during a workout or run.
- Fullscreen mode: Switch to a distraction-free fullscreen view with extra-large digits, ideal for projectors during workshops, presentations, or sports timing.
- Clean, ad-free interface: No banner ads, popups, or distractions - just a large, easy-to-read timer.
- Private & free: Everything runs locally in your browser - no account, no API limits, no data sent to a server.
How to Use the Online Stopwatch
- Click "Start" to begin timing. The display updates live to the centisecond.
- Click "Lap" while running to record a split - each lap logs the time since the last lap and the total elapsed time.
- Click "Pause" to stop the count, or "Start" again to resume from where you left off.
- Click "Reset" once paused to return the stopwatch to zero and clear the display.
- Click "Fullscreen" for a large-digit, distraction-free view - great for projectors and presentations. Click "Exit Fullscreen" or press Esc to return to the normal view.
- Review your splits in the Lap Times table, or click "Clear Laps" to start fresh.
Common Uses for an Online Stopwatch
Sports & Coaching
Time sprints, drills, and rest periods, and use lap tracking to record splits for each athlete or repetition during practice.
Presentations & Workshops
Use fullscreen mode to project a large, easy-to-read timer so speakers and attendees can keep track of session length at a glance.
Studying & Work Tasks
Time how long a task actually takes, from a single reading session to a focused work block, without the fixed intervals of a Pomodoro timer.
Stopwatch vs. Timer vs. Pomodoro Timer
These three tools all measure time, but each is built for a different task. A stopwatch counts up from zero to measure how long something takes, with no end point set in advance. A countdown timer counts down from a set duration to alert you when time is up. A Pomodoro Timer is a specialized countdown timer that automates alternating focus and break intervals.
| Tool | Best For | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Stopwatch | Tracking how long a task actually takes | Counts up from zero with start, pause, and lap controls |
| Countdown Timer | Alerting you when a set duration ends | Counts down from a chosen time to zero |
| Pomodoro Timer | Structuring work into focus and break cycles | Automatically alternates countdown work and break intervals |
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this online stopwatch?
This digital stopwatch displays elapsed time down to the centisecond (1/100th of a second), giving you accuracy that's more than sufficient for workouts, presentations, and most timing tasks.
How does lap tracking work?
Click "Lap" at any point while the stopwatch is running to record a split. Each lap shows the time since the previous lap and the total elapsed time, with the most recent lap listed first.
What does fullscreen mode do?
Fullscreen mode hides the rest of the page and shows the elapsed time in extra-large digits, making it easy to read from across a room - useful for projectors during workshops or sports timing.
Will the stopwatch keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes, the stopwatch keeps counting in the background and shows the correct elapsed time when you return to the tab.
Can I reset the stopwatch while it's running?
No. Pause the stopwatch first, then click "Reset" to return the display to zero and clear any recorded laps.
Is my session data saved or sent anywhere?
No. The stopwatch runs entirely in your browser - elapsed time and lap data are never sent to a server and are cleared when you reset or leave the page.
Is this online stopwatch free to use?
Yes, it's completely free with no sign-up, no limits, and no ads. Everything runs locally in your browser.