🎬 Timecode Converter
Professional timecode converter supporting HH:MM:SS to seconds, frame-accurate conversions with custom FPS rates, and bidirectional conversion for video editing, audio sync, and broadcast timing workflows.
Conversion Results:
01:30:45 → 5,445 Seconds
Example conversion at 30 fps preview
⏱️ Timecode Analysis Example
🎞️ Frame-Accurate Analysis (30 fps)
Total Frames
Frame Rate
SMPTE Format
🔢 Step-by-Step Example Calculation
How to Use This Timecode Converter
How to Use the Timecode Converter:
- Choose Conversion Direction: Select whether you're converting from timecode to seconds/frames or vice versa
- Enter Your Value: Input timecode in HH:MM:SS format (e.g., 01:30:45) or numeric value depending on conversion type
- Select Frame Rate: Choose the appropriate FPS from standard options or enter a custom frame rate for precise calculations
- Convert: Click "Convert Timecode" to get instant, frame-accurate results with detailed breakdown
- Review Results: Examine the conversion with visual breakdown, calculation steps, and alternative formats
- Copy/Download: Use the copy button for individual values or download complete results for your projects
Pro Tips: For frame-accurate work, always verify your FPS setting matches your project. The tool supports both drop-frame and non-drop-frame calculations, handles custom frame rates with precision, and provides SMPTE-compliant formatting for professional workflows. Use batch calculations for multiple timecodes in video editing projects.
How It Works
Professional Timecode Conversion Technology:
Our converter uses precise mathematical algorithms to handle all aspects of timecode conversion:
- Timecode Parsing: Advanced regex patterns validate and parse HH:MM:SS and HH:MM:SS.FF formats with error detection for invalid inputs
- Mathematical Precision: Uses high-precision arithmetic to handle floating-point frame rates (29.97, 23.976) without rounding errors
- Frame Rate Calculations: Implements industry-standard formulas for frame-to-timecode conversion supporting all broadcast standards
- SMPTE Compliance: Follows Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers standards for timecode formatting and calculation
- Bidirectional Conversion: Seamlessly converts between all formats: seconds ↔ timecode ↔ frame numbers with maintained precision
- Custom FPS Support: Handles non-standard frame rates for specialized applications like surveillance systems or scientific recording
- Educational Display: Shows step-by-step calculations to help users understand timecode mathematics and verify results
The converter is optimized for video editing workflows, supporting both progressive and interlaced formats while maintaining frame-accurate precision essential for professional post-production and broadcast applications.
When You Might Need This
- • Video editors syncing multiple camera angles and audio tracks with frame-perfect accuracy
- • Calculate total runtime for broadcast segments and commercial breaks in television production
- • Audio engineers aligning soundtrack timing with video footage during post-production mixing
- • Convert film timecodes between different frame rates when transferring between cinema and TV formats
- • Live streaming coordinators scheduling event segments and transition cues with precise timing
- • Documentary filmmakers calculating interview segment durations for final cut assembly
- • Convert surveillance footage timestamps for legal documentation and court presentation requirements
- • Broadcast technicians programming automated playout systems with exact timecode triggers and markers
- • Content creators calculating YouTube chapter markers and timestamp descriptions for video uploads
- • Animation studios synchronizing frame-by-frame sequences with audio tracks at various frame rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 29.97 fps and 30 fps, and when should I use each?
29.97 fps (also written as 29.97 or 30/1.001) is the standard NTSC frame rate used in North American television and video, accounting for color TV broadcast compatibility. True 30 fps is used for certain digital formats and web content. Use 29.97 for broadcast TV, DVDs, and most US video production. Use 30 fps for web videos, digital displays, and non-broadcast content.
How do I convert timecode that includes frames (like 01:30:45.12)?
The format HH:MM:SS.FF represents hours:minutes:seconds.frames. The frame portion (.12) means 12 frames into the current second. To convert, select 'Timecode → Frame Number' or 'Timecode → Seconds' and ensure your frame rate setting matches your source material. The converter will calculate the exact frame position and total duration.
Can I use custom frame rates for specialized applications?
Yes! Select 'Custom FPS' and enter any frame rate between 0.1 and 120 fps. This supports surveillance systems (often 15 fps), high-speed cameras (120+ fps), or scientific applications with non-standard rates. The converter maintains precision up to 3 decimal places for specialized frame rates like 23.976 or custom rates like 29.5 fps.
Why are my converted results showing decimal seconds?
Decimal seconds occur when frame boundaries don't align exactly with whole seconds, especially with frame rates like 29.97 or 23.976 fps. This is mathematically correct - some frame positions fall between integer seconds. For broadcast work, you'll typically round to the nearest frame boundary, while for technical applications, the decimal precision may be required.
How accurate is the conversion for professional video editing?
The converter provides frame-accurate precision suitable for professional workflows. It handles floating-point frame rates without rounding errors, follows SMPTE standards, and maintains precision throughout calculations. Results are accurate to the frame level, making it suitable for color correction, audio sync, and broadcast timing applications.