Exam Clock
Project a clear exam display for your room: the current time in large digits, the exam title, start and finish times, and a big time-remaining counter. Add reading time, schedule the start, and let the 30-minute and 5-minute warnings appear and chime on their own.
Last updated:
Final Exam
The exam keeps running if you reload the page. Shortcuts: F fullscreen · P pause / resume.
How to use the Exam Clock
- Enter the exam title and, if you like, a short instructions line such as “Calculators allowed”.
- Set the duration and reading time. The summary shows the reading and writing times if you start now.
- Press Start exam now, or pick a time and press Schedule start to have the clock begin by itself.
- Click Fullscreen (or press F) and project the screen. Warnings appear and chime automatically at 30 and 5 minutes left.
- Use Pause, Add 5 min or End exam if there is a fire alarm, a late start or the exam finishes early.
Exam timeline example
A 1 hour 30 minute exam with 10 minutes of reading time that starts at 9:00 AM runs like this with the default warnings:
| Clock time | Board shows | Time remaining |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Reading time – do not start writing | 10:00 of reading |
| 9:10 AM | Reading time is over – you may start writing (chime) | 1:30:00 |
| 10:10 AM | 30 minutes remaining (chime, then amber) | 30:00 |
| 10:35 AM | 5 minutes remaining (chime, then red “Final 5 minutes”) | 5:00 |
| 10:40 AM | Time is up – stop writing (three chimes) | 0:00 |
Finish time = start time + reading time + exam duration + any time added. Pauses push the finish time back by the length of the pause.
Tips for running an exam with a projected clock
- Check the computer clock first. The board uses the device's time, so make sure it is correct and set to your time zone.
- Write the rules on the board too. Use the instructions line for the most important reminder, such as which sections to answer.
- Turn off sleep and notifications. Keep screen awake helps, but also disable presentation pop-ups and screen savers before candidates arrive.
- Announce warnings verbally. The banner and chime are clear, but a spoken reminder at 30 and 5 minutes is standard practice in many exam rooms.
- Keep a backup. Note the start and finish times on paper in case the projector fails.
Frequently asked questions
What does an exam clock show?
An exam clock shows the current time plus the information candidates need to manage their time: when the exam started, when it will finish and how much time is left. This page also shows reading time, elapsed time and a status banner that changes color for warnings and when time is up.
How does reading time work?
Reading time is a period before writing starts when candidates may read the paper but not write answers. If you set 10 minutes of reading time and start at 9:00, the board shows a reading countdown until 9:10, then writing time begins and the finish time is 9:10 plus the exam duration.
When do the warnings appear?
By default a warning appears and chimes when 30 minutes and when 5 minutes of writing time are left. You can turn either off or add one extra warning, for example at 10 or 15 minutes. Warnings are only shown if the exam is longer than the warning time.
What happens if I pause the exam?
Pausing freezes the time remaining, and the finish time moves later for as long as the pause lasts. Press Resume to continue. This is useful when an exam is interrupted, for example by a fire alarm.
Can I give extra time?
Press Add 5 min as many times as needed to extend the whole room's exam. For candidates with individual extra time, note their finish time separately or open the clock in a second window with the longer duration.
Will the exam stop if the page is reloaded or the laptop sleeps?
No. The start time and settings are saved in this browser and every value is calculated from the real clock, so after a reload or sleep the board shows the correct time remaining. Keep screen awake helps stop the projector from going to sleep.
Is the time on the board accurate?
The clock uses your computer's system time, which is normally synchronised with internet time servers. Check that the computer's time and time zone are correct before the exam.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.