How does timecode convert to a frame count?

The total frames equal ((HH × 60 + MM) × 60 + SS) × fps + FF. The real elapsed time then divides that frame count by the actual fractional frame rate.

Why does 29.97 fps differ from 30 fps?

NTSC rates such as 23.976 and 29.97 are fractional, so the labelled HH:MM:SS:FF clock drifts slightly from real time. This tool labels frames at the nearest whole rate and computes real time from the true fractional rate.

What does FF mean in HH:MM:SS:FF?

FF is the frame field — the number of whole frames past the last full second, from 0 up to (fps − 1). At 25 fps it counts 0–24; at 30 fps it counts 0–29. It is what makes timecode more precise than an ordinary clock.

What frame rates are supported?

The standard set: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps — covering film (24), PAL (25/50) and NTSC (23.976/29.97/59.94) workflows.

FPS Timecode Calculator

Q: Is anything uploaded?

No — all calculations happen entirely in your browser.

FPS timecode calculator

Video editors and motion-graphics artists work in timecode — HH:MM:SS:FF, where the last field counts individual frames. This calculator translates a timecode at a chosen frame rate into a total frame count and the real elapsed time, which is essential for editing, conforming footage, and spotting the drift caused by fractional NTSC rates.

How it works

The tool first counts how many frames the timecode represents. Hours, minutes and seconds are converted to total seconds and multiplied by the frame rate, then the loose frames are added:

frames = ((HH × 60 + MM) × 60 + SS) × fps + FF

It then derives the real elapsed time by dividing that frame count by the true fractional rate. This matters for NTSC rates: a clip labelled at 30 fps but actually running at 29.97 fps takes slightly longer in real time than its timecode suggests, which is the source of timecode drift.

Example

At 25 fps, the timecode 00:01:30:12 is ((0 × 60 + 1) × 60 + 30) × 25 + 12 = 90 × 25 + 12 = 2,262 frames. Real time = 2,262 ÷ 25 = 90.48 seconds.

Frame rate	Family	Frames per second field
24	Film	0–23
25 / 50	PAL	0–24 / 0–49
23.976 / 29.97 / 59.94	NTSC	fractional
30 / 60	Broadcast	0–29 / 0–59

All calculations happen entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.