Timecode Calculator
Convert between timecode formats for video and film
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter your timecode or time value
- Select the input format (timecode, frames, seconds, or milliseconds)
- Choose the frame rate (24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, or 60 fps)
- Select the output format you need
- Click calculate to see the converted timecode
What is Timecode?
Timecode is a standardized way to identify specific frames in video and film productions. It follows the format HH:MM:SS:FF (Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames), allowing precise navigation and synchronization in editing workflows.
Different frame rates are used for different broadcast standards and creative purposes. The frame rate determines how many frames occur in one second of video.
Common Frame Rates
| Frame Rate | Standard | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 24 fps | Film | Theatrical films, cinematic look |
| 25 fps | PAL | European broadcast standard |
| 29.97 fps | NTSC | North American broadcast standard |
| 30 fps | NTSC | Some broadcast and web content |
| 50 fps | PAL HD | European HD broadcast |
| 60 fps | NTSC HD | North American HD, slow motion |
Timecode Conversion Tips
- Always verify the frame rate of your source footage before converting
- Timecode format follows HH:MM:SS:FF where FF must be less than the frame rate
- 29.97 fps uses drop-frame timecode to account for the non-integer frame rate
- When converting between formats, small rounding differences may occur
- Frame counts are always whole numbers, while seconds can be decimal
- Use milliseconds for precise timing in audio synchronization
Professional Applications
Timecode is essential in professional video production for:
- Video editing and post-production workflows
- Multi-camera synchronization
- Audio-to-video alignment
- Broadcast scheduling and automation
- Film dailies and review sessions
- Visual effects and color grading timelines
- Closed captioning and subtitle creation
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does HH:MM:SS:FF mean in timecode?
- HH:MM:SS:FF represents Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames. For example, 01:23:45:12 means 1 hour, 23 minutes, 45 seconds, and 12 frames.
- Why is 29.97 fps used instead of 30 fps?
- 29.97 fps (actually 30000/1001) was created for NTSC color television to avoid interference with the color signal. It's technically 29.97002997 fps and uses drop-frame timecode to stay synchronized with real time.
- Can I convert between different frame rates?
- This calculator converts timecode formats at a given frame rate. To convert footage between different frame rates, you need video processing software that can perform frame rate conversion.
- What's the maximum timecode value I can enter?
- Timecode can go beyond 24 hours. The format supports values like 99:59:59:XX where XX is limited by your frame rate. For example, at 24 fps, the maximum frame value is 23.