Creative Tools

Timecode Calculator

Enter two timecodes and a frame rate, then add or subtract to see the result.

Operation
Frame rate (fps)
Result timecode
A frames—
B frames—
Result frames—
Non-drop frame only — not NTSC drop-frame. Custom fps is frames per timecode second (for example 50 or 60), not 23.976 or 29.97.

How do I add or subtract timecode?

Editors and colourists speak in timecode: hours, minutes, seconds and frames (HH:MM:SS:FF) at a fixed frames-per-second rate. Adding or subtracting clips means converting each stamp to a frame count at 24, 25, 30 or another rate you enter, doing integer maths, then converting back to a readable stamp. This page uses non-drop-frame counting — fine for most progressive workflows, not a substitute for NTSC drop-frame tools used in some broadcast pipelines. Keep both inputs on the same fps or the frame column will drift. Estimate media weight with video file size and bitrate targets with video bitrate.

Worked example

At 25 fps, 00:01:12:00 + 00:00:45:12 → convert to frames, add, format back to HH:MM:SS:FF.

Limits and assumptions

Non-drop frame only. Negative results clamp at zero frames rather than wrapping a 24-hour clock.

Frequently asked questions

What is timecode?

Timecode labels each frame on a tape or timeline as hours:minutes:seconds:frames so editors can navigate precisely.

What does fps mean?

Frames per second — how many frames make one timecode second. Use 24, 25 or 30, or Other for a different rate such as 50 or 60.

Why pick 25 vs 24?

Match the project frame rate. Mixing rates without conversion breaks the frame math.

Is this drop-frame?

No — counts are continuous. NTSC drop-frame skips numbers to match wall clock and needs a specialised tool.

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