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Timecode Calculator

Professional timecode calculator for video editors. Add, subtract, multiply, divide timecodes. Convert between frames, seconds, and timecode format. Supports all standard frame rates including drop-frame.

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Selected: 24 (Film)

⌨️ Press Enter to calculate, Esc to clear

The Timecode Calculator is a professional, frame-accurate tool designed specifically for video editors, filmmakers, and post-production professionals. Whether you

📖 How to Use

Calculator Mode

  1. Select your frame rate from the dropdown (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 DF, 30, etc.)
  2. Choose your operation: Add (+), Subtract (-), Multiply (×), or Divide (÷)
  3. Enter timecodes in HH:MM:SS:FF format (e.g., 01:30:15:12)
  4. Results appear instantly with frame-accurate precision
  5. Click "Copy" to copy the result to clipboard

Converter Mode

  1. Select your frame rate
  2. Enter a value in any format (timecode, frames, or seconds)
  3. View instant conversions to all three formats
  4. Toggle between display options (show/hide zeros)

Duration Mode

  1. Enter start timecode (IN point)
  2. Enter end timecode (OUT point)
  3. Duration is calculated automatically
  4. View results in timecode, frames, and seconds

💡 Pro Tips:

  • Use Tab key to quickly navigate between fields
  • Press Enter to perform calculation
  • Press Esc to clear all fields
  • For drop-frame rates, use semicolons (;) in timecode format: HH:MM:SS;FF
⚙️ How It Works

Understanding Timecode

Timecode is a standardized format for identifying specific frames in video content. The format HH:MM:SS:FF represents:

  • HH - Hours (00-23)
  • MM - Minutes (00-59)
  • SS - Seconds (00-59)
  • FF - Frames (00 to frame rate - 1)

Frame Rate Conversion

The calculator converts all timecodes to total frames for accurate arithmetic, then converts back to timecode format:

  1. Parse Input: Break down HH:MM:SS:FF into components
  2. Convert to Frames: Total frames = (hours × 3600 + minutes × 60 + seconds) × FPS + frames
  3. Perform Operation: Add, subtract, multiply, or divide frame counts
  4. Convert Back: Calculate hours, minutes, seconds, and frames from total

Drop-Frame Timecode

Drop-frame timecode (29.97 DF and 59.94 DF) compensates for NTSC

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between drop-frame and non-drop-frame timecode?
Drop-frame (DF) timecode skips certain frame numbers to compensate for NTSC's 29.97 fps rate, keeping timecode aligned with real clock time. Non-drop-frame (NDF) counts every frame sequentially but drifts from real time. Drop-frame is standard for broadcast TV, while non-drop-frame is used for film and some digital formats.
Which frame rate should I use?
Choose based on your project: 24 fps for film, 25 fps for PAL/European broadcast, 29.97 DF for NTSC/US broadcast, 30 fps for web content, and 60 fps for high frame rate content. Always match your project's timeline settings.
Can I add timecodes from different frame rates?
No, all calculations must use the same frame rate. If you need to combine footage shot at different frame rates, first conform them to a single timeline frame rate in your editing software.
How accurate are the calculations?
All calculations are frame-accurate, meaning they're precise to 1/FPS of a second. The calculator handles drop-frame compensation automatically and displays results with professional-grade accuracy.
What formats can I input?
You can input timecode in HH:MM:SS:FF format, total frames as a number, or total seconds as a decimal. The calculator automatically detects the format and converts as needed.
Can I use this for audio post-production?
Yes! Audio editors often work with timecode when syncing sound to picture. The calculator is equally useful for dialog editing, sound design, and music scoring.
Why does my timecode show semicolons instead of colons?
Semicolons (;) before the frame number indicate drop-frame timecode (HH:MM:SS;FF), while colons (:) indicate non-drop-frame (HH:MM:SS:FF). This is an industry standard notation.
How do I calculate overlap between two clips?
Use Duration mode to find each clip's length, then use Calculator mode to subtract the later clip's IN point from the earlier clip's OUT point. A positive result indicates overlap duration.
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