Timecode Addition & Subtraction
Add or subtract two timecodes in HH:MM:SS:FF format.
Timecode Converter
Convert between timecode, frames, seconds, and milliseconds.
Frame Rate Converter
Convert timecode from one frame rate to another, maintaining the same moment in time.
Frame Rate Reference
Common video frame rates and their typical use cases.
Cinema standard for theatrical releases. Also called "23.98" or "24p". Used for film-look content distributed on NTSC systems.
Traditional film frame rate. Used in cinema production and digital intermediate work. Standard for most theatrical releases worldwide.
Standard for PAL and SECAM broadcast systems. Used in Europe, Australia, and many other countries. Based on 50Hz electrical systems.
NTSC broadcast standard in North America and Japan. Often paired with drop-frame timecode to maintain sync with real time. Based on 60Hz electrical systems.
Common for web video, streaming content, and some broadcast applications. Provides smooth motion for fast-paced content.
High frame rate for sports, gaming, and action content. Provides extremely smooth motion. Often used for slow-motion playback at lower frame rates.
Understanding SMPTE Timecode
What is Timecode?
SMPTE timecode (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) is the industry standard for labeling individual frames of video or film. The format HH:MM:SS:FF represents hours, minutes, seconds, and frames. This allows editors, colorists, sound designers, and VFX artists to reference exact moments in a production with frame-accurate precision.
Drop Frame vs. Non-Drop Frame
At 29.97 fps, there's a discrepancy between timecode and real clock time. Non-drop frame timecode counts every frame sequentially, but drifts approximately 3.6 seconds per hour compared to actual elapsed time.
Drop frame timecode (DF) compensates by "dropping" frame numbers 0 and 1 at the start of each minute, except for minutes divisible by 10 (00, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50). No actual video frames are dropped -- only the numbering changes. Drop frame uses semicolons as separators (01;00;00;00) while non-drop frame uses colons (01:00:00:00).
Common Use Cases
- Editing: Synchronizing multiple camera angles and audio tracks in post-production
- VFX: Identifying exact frames for visual effects work and compositing
- Color Grading: Applying corrections to specific frame ranges
- Broadcasting: Ensuring programs meet exact runtime requirements
- ADR/Foley: Syncing replacement dialogue and sound effects to picture
- Archiving: Cataloging and retrieving specific moments from large media libraries
Calculation Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
What is timecode? +
What frame rates does this calculator support? +
What is drop frame timecode? +
How do I convert between timecode and seconds? +
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Timecode Calculator FAQ
What is timecode?
Timecode is a sequence of numeric codes used to label individual frames of video. The standard format is HH:MM:SS:FF (hours, minutes, seconds, frames). It allows precise identification and synchronization of media. SMPTE timecode is the industry standard defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
What frame rates does this calculator support?
This calculator supports all common frame rates: 23.976 fps (cinema), 24 fps (film), 25 fps (PAL/SECAM), 29.97 fps (NTSC), 30 fps (web video), and 60 fps (high frame rate). Each frame rate determines the maximum frame number (FF) in the timecode.
What is drop frame timecode?
Drop frame timecode is used with 29.97 fps to keep timecode synchronized with real clock time. At 29.97 fps, non-drop frame timecode drifts about 3.6 seconds per hour. Drop frame compensates by skipping frame numbers 0 and 1 at the start of each minute, except every 10th minute. The notation uses semicolons (01;00;00;00) instead of colons.
How do I convert between timecode and seconds?
Total seconds = hours*3600 + minutes*60 + seconds + frames/framerate. For example, 01:30:00:12 at 24fps = 5400.5 seconds. To convert back, divide total seconds into hours, minutes, seconds, and multiply the remaining fraction by the frame rate to get frames.