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🎬 Frames to Timecode Calculator

Enter a total frame count and choose your frame rate to convert it into standard SMPTE HH:MM:SS:FF timecode.

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What this calculator does

The Frames to Timecode Calculator converts a raw frame count into standard SMPTE timecode in the HH:MM:SS:FF format used throughout film and video editing.

How the calculation works

For non-drop-frame rates, frames are simply divided into seconds, minutes, and hours using the nominal frame rate (for example, 30 frames make one second at 30fps). Drop-frame rates like 29.97fps and 59.94fps use the official SMPTE drop-frame algorithm, which skips specific frame numbers at the start of most minutes so the displayed timecode stays aligned with real clock time over long durations; drop-frame timecode is conventionally shown with a semicolon before the frame count instead of a colon.

This is a standard technical reference tool for editors and post-production work. Always match the frame rate setting to your actual project or camera format, since using the wrong rate will produce an incorrect timecode.

Last reviewed August 2026