Timecode Math & FPS Converter

What this tool does in one line

It performs timecode math (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and converts timecode ↔ frames ↔ seconds at exact frame rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, and 60. You can work in non-drop or drop-frame for broadcast-style clocks.

Why frame rate precision matters

“29.97” and “59.94” are precise ratios (30000/1001 and 60000/1001). Treating them as 30/60 causes clock drift across long runtimes. The calculator uses the exact ratios internally.

Drop-frame in plain language

Drop-frame doesn’t drop recorded frames; it skips numbers at most minutes so timecode matches wall time at 29.97/59.94. The semicolon marks drop-frame (01:00:00;00). Use it for broadcast clocks; stick to non-drop for film/animation.

Clean input tips

• Timecode: hh:mm:ss:ff (non-drop) or hh:mm:ss;ff (drop-frame). Leading zeros optional.
• Frames: enter a plain integer at the chosen FPS.
• Retime: for × or ÷, enter a decimal scalar in B (e.g., 1.25).

Common jobs

• Add acts to build a program clock.
• Subtract to find gaps (slate→action, bumper windows).
• Multiply 30-s spots by a count; divide total frames by clip count for ASL.
• Normalize mixed FPS: convert to frames, do the math, format back at target FPS.

Formatting & limits

Tiles show result timecode, total frames, runtime, and normalized inputs. Sub-zero results clamp to 0 frames. Drop-frame rules apply to 29.97/59.94; 23.976 deliveries are almost always non-drop.

How do I type drop-frame?

Use a semicolon before frames, like 00:10:00;00. Set Drop-frame to Auto or Force DF.

Can I mix timecode and frames?

Yes. Inputs normalize to frames, math runs once, then the result is formatted as timecode.

Why 29.97 and 59.94?

Color TV compatibility; they are exact fractions (30000/1001 and 60000/1001).

Negative results?

Subtractions below zero clamp to 0 frames. For signed math, work in frames directly.