About this tool
This page combines two everyday tools in one place: a countdown timer for any duration, and a stopwatch with lap-split recording. Both run using your device's system clock (not a simple tick counter), so they stay accurate even if the tab is backgrounded for a while.
How to use the Timer
- Enter minutes and seconds, or tap a quick preset (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes).
- Tap Start — the display counts down live, and the browser tab title updates too.
- You'll get an alert when the timer reaches zero, even if you've switched to another tab.
How to use the Stopwatch
- Tap Start to begin timing.
- Tap Lap anytime to record a split without stopping the clock.
- Tap Reset to clear the time and lap list and start fresh.
Common use cases
- Timing a workout interval, a study session, or a cooking step
- Running a classroom activity or presentation within a set time limit
- Timing laps for a run, swim, or practice drill
- A quick countdown for a game, meeting icebreaker, or timed challenge
Things to watch out for
Browsers can throttle background tabs to save battery, particularly on mobile — for a critical countdown, it's safest to keep the tab visible or your device's screen on rather than relying entirely on a backgrounded alert. The tab title updates to show the remaining time as a visual cue even when the tab isn't active, which helps if you're glancing at browser tabs rather than the page itself.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — the countdown keeps running in the background and the alert still fires when it reaches zero, along with a browser tab title change so you can see it's done without switching back.
Yes — the Lap button records a split time each time you press it, and all laps are listed in order below the stopwatch.
It's accurate to the second for practical purposes, using your device's system clock rather than a simple counter, so it won't drift even if the tab is in the background for a while.