Count Up Timer
Free online stopwatch and elapsed time tracker. Start from zero and count up to track how long activities take.
Related Timer Tools
Stopwatch Tools
What is a Count Up Timer?
A count up timer (also called a stopwatch or elapsed time timer) starts at zero and counts upward, tracking how much time has passed. Unlike a countdown timer that counts down to zero, a count up timer measures the duration of an activity from start to finish.
Count Up Timer vs Countdown Timer
| Feature | Count Up Timer | Countdown Timer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Starts at 0:00 | Starts at set duration |
| Direction | Counts upward | Counts downward |
| End point | Runs until stopped | Stops at zero |
| Best for | Measuring unknown durations | Fixed time limits |
| Alarm | No alarm (manual stop) | Alarm when finished |
Common Uses for Count Up Timers
Workout Tracking
Time your runs, planks, and exercise sets to track improvement.
Cooking & Baking
Track how long food has been cooking when you don't have an exact time.
Meeting Duration
See how long meetings actually run to improve time management.
Task Timing
Measure how long tasks take to estimate future work better.
Game Timing
Track game duration for board games, video games, and sports.
Learning Sessions
Monitor study time and track total hours spent learning.
Features of Our Count Up Timer
- One-Click Start - Begin timing instantly with a single click
- Precise Timing - Accuracy to hundredths of a second
- Pause & Resume - Stop and continue without losing your time
- Large Display - Easy to read from across the room
- No Limit - Count up for hours without any maximum
- Works Offline - No internet required once loaded
How to Use This Count Up Timer
- Click Start - The timer begins counting from 00:00.00
- Watch the time - See minutes, seconds, and hundredths tick up
- Click Stop - Pause the timer at any point to see elapsed time
- Resume if needed - Click Start again to continue from where you stopped
- Reset when done - Click Reset to return to 00:00.00
When to Use Count Up vs Count Down
Use a count up timer when:
- You don't know how long something will take
- You want to track and record duration
- You're measuring performance times
- There's no fixed end time
Use a countdown timer when:
- You have a specific time limit
- You want an alarm when time is up
- You're following a recipe or schedule
- You need to finish within a deadline
Tips for Effective Time Tracking
- Be consistent - Start the timer at the same point each time for accurate comparisons
- Record your times - Write down elapsed times to track progress over time
- Use lap timing - For activities with segments, try our Lap Timer
- Track multiple activities - Use our Multi Stopwatch to time several things at once
Get the iOS App
Repeat Timer: Interval Remind
Need a timer that works in the background? Our iOS app provides reliable stopwatch and timer functionality with customizable alerts for all your timing needs.
