About this tool
Frame Count ↔ Timecode Calculator is a free, in-browser tool that converts between total frames, SMPTE timecode (HH:MM:SS:FF) and clock duration at any common frame rate, including 29.97 and 59.94 drop-frame. Nothing is uploaded — all conversions run locally.
At non-drop rates the timecode is plain integer division of the frame count by the rounded frame rate: frames ÷ fps gives whole seconds, the remainder is the frame field. Duration in seconds is frames ÷ fps using the true rate, so 1500 frames at 25 fps is exactly 60 seconds, or 00:01:00:00. Drop-frame timecode compensates for the 29.97/59.94 fractional rate by skipping two (or four) frame labels every minute except every tenth minute, keeping the running timecode aligned with real clock time; those are labels only — no picture is ever dropped.
Frequently asked questions
What is drop-frame timecode?
At 29.97 fps the counter would drift about 3.6 seconds ahead of real time per hour. Drop-frame fixes this by skipping frame numbers 00 and 01 at the start of every minute except every tenth minute — the frames themselves stay; only their labels are renumbered.
When should I enable the drop-frame toggle?
Only at 29.97 or 59.94 fps, typically for broadcast delivery where timecode must match wall-clock duration. At 23.976, 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps use non-drop; the toggle has no effect at those rates.
How is a frame count turned into timecode?
The rounded frame rate (30 for 29.97, 24 for 23.976) sets frames per second. Whole seconds are frames ÷ fps, minutes and hours cascade from there, and the leftover is the two-digit frame field. Drop-frame adds the skipped-label correction.
Is any data uploaded?
No. You enter a frame count, timecode or duration and it is converted in your browser. Nothing leaves your device.
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