Chess Clock Get the app

Free online chess clock

Pick a time control, place the device between the two players and tap your half of the screen after each move — the clock switches to your opponent. It runs entirely in your browser: no download, no signup, no ads.

Keyboard: A / L or ← / → to press the clock, Space to pause, R to reset.

How to use this chess timer

  1. Choose a time control. Tap a preset like 3+0 or 5+3, or enter your own minutes and increment. The first number is each player's total time in minutes, the second the seconds added after every move (Fischer increment).
  2. Position the screen. On a phone, lay it flat between the boards — the top clock is rotated so your opponent reads it naturally. On a laptop, players share the keyboard: A or ← for one side, L or → for the other.
  3. Make your move, press your clock. Tapping your half stops your time and starts your opponent's, exactly like pressing the button on a physical chess clock.
  4. Flag fall. When a clock reaches zero it turns red and sounds — that player loses on time.

What this online clock can do

  • Presets for Bullet (1+0), Blitz (3+0, 3+2, 5+0, 5+3), Rapid (10+0, 15+10) and 30 minutes
  • Custom base time and Fischer increment
  • Move counter for both players
  • Pause, reset, optional click sound and flag alarm
  • Tenths of a second shown under 20 seconds, exactly like a tournament clock
  • Works on phones, tablets and desktops — nothing to install

When the app is the better tool

A browser tab is perfect for a quick game, but it has limits: the screen may lock mid-game, a notification can cover the clock, and there is no Bronstein or delay mode. The iOS app keeps the screen awake, works in airplane mode, adds Bronstein, US delay, multi-phase FIDE and USCF tournament controls, Byo-Yomi, an hourglass mode, 16 themes and automatic game statistics — and it stays free for everyday time controls.

Keep reading

Want a clock that can't be interrupted?

The Chess Clock app keeps the screen awake, works offline in airplane mode and adds Bronstein, tournament and Byo-Yomi modes.

Download on the App Store

Coming soon to the App Store

Frequently asked questions

Is this online chess clock really free?

Yes — free, with no ads, no signup and no download. It runs entirely in your browser and even keeps working if you lose your connection after the page has loaded.

What does a time control like 5+3 mean?

Each player starts with 5 minutes, and 3 seconds are added after every move they complete. The added seconds are called a Fischer increment.

Can I use it on my phone?

Yes. Lay the phone flat between the two players; the upper clock is rotated 180° so your opponent reads it right-side up. For serious games we recommend the iOS app, which prevents the screen from locking and works in airplane mode.

Why did the clock pause by itself?

The clock pauses automatically when the browser tab goes into the background — for example when the phone locks or you switch apps — so nobody unfairly loses time. Press pause again to resume.