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Timecode Calculator

262 words Calculator

Format: HH:MM:SS:FF (Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames)

Result Timecode

00:00:10:00
HH:MM:SS:FF

Duration

10.00s
In Seconds

Frame Rate

30 fps
Frames Per Second

Common Timecode Formats

  • 23.976: Film (24p with pull-down)
  • 29.97: NTSC (30fps with drop-frame)
  • 25: PAL/SECAM broadcast
  • 59.94: NTSC HD (60fps with drop-frame)

Professional Timecode Calculator for video editors - calculate durations, add/subtract timecodes, and convert between frame rates. Essential tool for film/TV production with support for all standard formats (23.976, 29.97, 50, 59.94 fps).

Timecode Calculator Documentation

What Is It?

A digital tool that performs precise timecode calculations used in video production. It handles:

  • Timecode arithmetic (addition/subtraction)
  • Duration calculations
  • Frame rate conversions
  • Drop/non-drop frame compatibility

Key Formulas

  1. Frames to Timecode:
HH = total_frames // (3600 × fps)
MM = (remaining_frames // (60 × fps)) % 60
SS = (remaining_frames // fps) % 60
FF = remaining_frames % fps
  1. Timecode to Frames:
total_frames = (HH × 3600 × fps) + (MM × 60 × fps) + (SS × fps) + FF

How to Use

  1. Basic Operation:

    • Set your frame rate (23.976, 29.97, etc.)
    • Enter start/end timecodes (HH:MM:SS
      format)
    • Choose operation type (add/subtract/duration)
    • View results instantly

  2. Common Workflows:

    • Adding slates/black: Enter start TC + duration
    • Calculating clip length: Enter in/out points
    • Subtracting segments: Start TC - segment duration

FAQs

Q: Why does 29.97 fps exist?
A: For NTSC color TV compatibility (black-and-white was 30fps)

Q: What’s drop-frame timecode?
A: Skips frame numbers 0 and 1 at each minute mark (except every 10th minute) to compensate for 29.97 vs 30fps

Q: Can I calculate across different frame rates?
A: No - convert to common frame rate first

Terminology

  • SMPTE: Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (timecode standard)
  • NDF: Non-Drop Frame (exact frame count)
  • DF: Drop Frame (compensates for 29.97fps)
  • LTC: Linear Timecode (audio encoded)
  • VITC: Vertical Interval Timecode (embedded in video)

Technical Sources

Formulas based on:

  • SMPTE 12M-2
    timecode standard
  • EBU R37-2007 timing specifications
  • Historical NTSC/PAL broadcast standards

Important Notes

  1. Always verify frame rate before calculations
  2. Drop-frame only applies to 29.97/59.94 fps
  3. Timecodes roll over at 24 hours (00:00:00
    )
  4. Negative results are clamped to 00:00:00
  5. Film frame rates (23.976/24) never use drop-frame
Timecode Calculator Calculator