Video Timecode Converter

Frame Count, Seconds, and Timecode Conversion

Free online tool to convert between video timecode (HH:MM:SS:FF), frame count, and seconds. Supports 7 major frame rates: 23.976fps, 24fps, 25fps, 29.97fps, 30fps, 50fps, 60fps. Supports both drop frame (DF) and non-drop frame (NDF) for 29.97fps. Perfect for video editing, post-production, broadcasting, and more. All processing done in browser without data transmission.

How to Use

Convert timecode in 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Select Frame Rate
Choose video frame rate (23.976fps, 24fps, 25fps, 29.97fps, etc.). For 29.97fps, select drop frame (DF) or non-drop frame (NDF).
Step 2: Select Input Mode and Enter Value
Choose one of "Timecode (HH:MM:SS:FF)", "Frame Count", or "Seconds" and enter corresponding value.
Step 3: View Conversion Results
Conversion results to other 2 formats are displayed automatically. Total frame count and elapsed seconds are also shown.

All conversions are performed in your browser. Data is not transmitted to any server.

Input Value

Frame Rate

Input Mode

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form.results_label

Timecode
00:05:00:00

Frame Count
7500

Seconds
300.000

form.result_milliseconds
300000

Use Cases

Timecode Converter is useful in various scenarios:

1. Frame Size Decisions in Video Editing

In editing software like Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, specify precise cut points. Convert from frame count to timecode or calculate frames from timecode for accurate editing work.

2. Broadcast and Television Production

SMPTE timecode is widely used in broadcasting industry. Confirm actual program duration to meet broadcast time specs, or specify ad air times. Drop frame timecode at 29.97fps is especially important to ensure consistency with actual clock time.

3. Subtitle and Dubbing Work

When creating subtitle files (SRT, ASS, etc.), specify subtitle display timecode. Convert seconds from script to timecode for efficient subtitle creation. Also used for syncing dialogue with lip movements in dubbing.

4. Animation and VFX Production

3DCG animation and visual effects production typically works in frame units. Calculate frame count needed from client-specified timecode for efficient time and schedule management.

5. International Co-Production

Different countries use different broadcast standards (NTSC 29.97fps, PAL 25fps, Film 24fps, etc.), requiring timecode conversion. Convert from US-produced footage (29.97fps DF) to European standard (25fps), or adjust timecode during frame rate conversion.

6. Archiving and Asset Management

Record timecode for each scene in video asset libraries and archive systems. Manage assets by frame count and timecode for quick retrieval of target scenes.

What is Video Timecode?

Timecode is a standard format representing specific positions in video. Expressed as HH:MM:SS:FF (hours:minutes:seconds:frames), widely used in professional fields like video editing, broadcasting, and post-production.

Timecode Structure

Timecode consists of 4 parts: HH (hours), MM (minutes), SS (seconds), FF (frames). Example: "01:23:45:12" means 1 hour 23 minutes 45 seconds plus 12 frames. Frame part indicates which frame within 1 second, ranging from 0 to frame rate minus 1 (24fps: 0-23, 30fps: 0-29).

Major Frame Rates and Their Uses

23.976fps and 24fps for film, 25fps for PAL (European/Asian broadcast standard), 29.97fps for NTSC (US/Japan broadcast standard), 30fps for digital video, 50fps and 60fps for high frame rate video and sports broadcasting. Frame rate selection significantly impacts video playback speed and quality.

Drop Frame and Non-Drop Frame

29.97fps isn't actually 30fps, causing time discrepancy. Drop frame (DF) corrects this by skipping first 2 frames of each minute (except multiples of 10 minutes). Non-drop frame (NDF) doesn't skip frames, so timecode gradually deviates from actual clock time. Using drop frame is important in broadcast work.

SMPTE Timecode Standards

SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) defines international timecode format standards. SMPTE timecode is embedded in video signal or recorded as separate audio signal. Widely adopted in professional fields: broadcasting, film, video production.

PAL vs NTSC Differences

PAL is broadcast standard used in Europe, Asia, Australia (25fps, 50Hz), NTSC is standard used in US, Japan, Korea (29.97fps, 60Hz). These differences create complexity in timecode calculation and conversion.

How to Calculate Timecode

Converting timecode to frame count: Total frames = (hours×3600 + minutes×60 + seconds) × frame rate + frames. For 29.97fps drop frame, special calculation needed: subtract 2 frames per minute (except multiples of 10 minutes). Converting frame count to timecode: perform reverse calculation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between drop frame (DF) and non-drop frame (NDF)?

Drop frame (DF) skips timecode to correct minor difference between 29.97fps and 30fps. Skips first 2 frames of each minute (except multiples of 10 minutes): 00:XX:00:00 and 00:XX:00:01, aligning timecode with actual clock time. Non-drop frame (NDF) doesn't skip frames, so timecode gradually diverges from actual time. Using drop frame is important in broadcast work.

What is 23.976fps? Why not 24fps?

23.976fps is frame rate used when converting film 24fps to NTSC broadcast standard. Slowing 24fps by 0.1% (24 ÷ 1.001 = 23.976) makes it compatible with NTSC's 29.97fps. Widely used when broadcasting or digitally distributing film footage in NTSC regions.

Can I convert timecode between different frame rates?

Yes, but be careful. Converting 29.97fps to 25fps changes video playback speed (approximately 4% faster). If you want to maintain same scene position, adjust timecode according to frame rate ratio. This tool converts timecode, frame count, and seconds within same frame rate.

Why does 29.97fps need drop frame?

29.97fps isn't actually 30fps, so without drop frame, timecode deviates from actual clock time. Specifically, approximately 3.6 seconds (108 frames) discrepancy per hour. Drop frame skips first 2 frames of each minute (except multiples of 10 minutes) to correct this, aligning timecode with actual time.

Which frame rates does this tool support?

Supports 7 major frame rates: 23.976fps (Film), 24fps (Film), 25fps (PAL), 29.97fps DF (NTSC Drop Frame), 29.97fps NDF (NTSC Non-Drop Frame), 30fps, 50fps (PAL HD), 60fps. These are most commonly used frame rates in video production.

How to input timecode?

Enter timecode in "HH:MM:SS:FF" format. HH is hours (00-23), MM is minutes (00-59), SS is seconds (00-59), FF is frames (0 to frame rate minus 1). Example: "01:23:45:12" means 1 hour 23 minutes 45 seconds plus 12 frames. Can also omit colons and enter "01234512".

Is timecode to seconds conversion accurate?

Yes, this tool converts based on precise calculation formulas for each frame rate. For 29.97fps drop frame, correctly implements SMPTE standard drop frame algorithm. Calculations use floating-point arithmetic, so minor rounding errors may occur, but negligible in practical use.

Can I use this for broadcast-level work?

This tool calculates based on correct SMPTE standards, so can be used for broadcast-level work. However, for critical broadcast operations, recommend using alongside timecode from professional equipment and software. Especially for complex drop frame calculations, best to cross-check.