Tally Counter
Tap the big button, press Space or use the arrow keys to count anything: people at the door, laps, stitches, birds or stock. Add as many named counters as you need; they are saved automatically.
Activity log
How to use the Tally Counter
- Tap the + button (or the number itself) to count up, and − to count down.
- Create more counters with a name, for example 'Adults' and 'Children', and tap a counter to select it.
- Use the keyboard: Space or ↑ adds, ↓ subtracts, 1–9 selects a counter, Ctrl + Z undoes.
- Set a step or goal in a counter's settings to count in fives or get alerted at a target.
- Export your counts as CSV or JSON when you're done.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Space, Enter, ↑, + or = | Add one step to the selected counter |
| ↓, −, or Backspace | Subtract one step |
| 1 to 9 | Select counter 1 to 9 (the number badge on each counter) |
| R (twice) | Reset the selected counter to zero |
| Ctrl + Z / Cmd + Z | Undo the last change |
Shortcuts are paused while you type in a text box, so you can rename counters safely. A USB or Bluetooth presenter clicker that sends arrow or page keys can also work as a hand-held tally button.
Ideas for using a tally counter
- Event entry and occupancy: + for each person in, − for each person out, with the room capacity as the goal.
- Traffic and wildlife surveys: one counter per vehicle type or species, keys 1–9 to switch quickly.
- Sports and fitness: laps in the pool, reps, rounds or golf strokes.
- Knitting and crochet: rows and stitches, with a goal for the pattern length.
- Inventory and stock takes: a counter per item, then export the CSV for your spreadsheet.
- Classroom and meetings: count questions, votes or participation.
Counting accurately
When counting many fast-moving things, count in groups. Set the step to 5 or 10 and add a group at a time, or use one counter per category and add them up with the total at the top. Tally marks on paper work the same way: four strokes and a fifth across them make a group of five, which is easier to check later than one long row.
Example: counting cars and trucks at a junction for 15 minutes gives Cars 142 and Trucks 18, a total of 160 vehicles, or 160 × 4 = 640 vehicles per hour, with trucks making up 18 ÷ 160 = 11.25% of traffic.
Frequently asked questions
How do I count with the keyboard?
Click a counter to select it, then press Space, Enter, ↑ or + to add and ↓, − or Backspace to subtract. Number keys 1 to 9 switch between your first nine counters, R resets the selected counter (press twice), and Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac) undoes the last change.
Does the counter vibrate?
On Android phones with Chrome, Edge or Samsung Internet, yes: each tap gives a short buzz and reaching a goal gives a longer pattern. iPhones and most computers don't support vibration from web pages, so the option is disabled there; you can turn on the click sound instead.
Are my counts saved?
Yes. Every change is saved in your browser's local storage on this device, so you can close the tab and continue later. Nothing is uploaded. Clearing your browser data resets the counters.
Can I count by more than one?
Yes. Open a counter's settings with the ⚙ button and set the step, for example 2 for pairs, 5 for groups or 0.5 for halves.
Can the count go below zero?
Only if you allow it. By default counters stop at zero; untick 'Stop at zero' to allow negative numbers, which is handy for tracking a balance of in and out.
How do I count people entering and leaving?
Use one counter and press + for each person entering and − for each person leaving, so the number is the current occupancy. Set a goal to the room's capacity to get an alert when it is reached.