Frames ↔ Timecode – Quick Guide

Convert frames and SMPTE timecodes fast with the frames ↔ timecode calculator.

Basics

Timecode labels frames as hh:mm:ss:ff. Always record the frame rate, because 24 fps timecode is not the same as 25 fps.

How to convert

Enter FPS, then either total frames or a timecode. Click the matching Calculate button. The tool swaps between frames and timecode and shows both results.

Example

Open the calculator, set FPS to 23.976, enter 3276 frames, and press Frames → Timecode. You will see 00:02:16:12.

Drop-frame vs non-drop

Use non-drop for film-style 23.976/24/25 fps projects. Switch to drop-frame only when you must align 29.97 fps video with clock time.

Tips

• Log FPS alongside every timecode note
• Copy the calculator result into cue sheets and EDLs
• Double-check frame counts before sending VFX pulls