Charades timer
A countdown timer and scoreboard for charades, drawing games and any other turn-based party game. Pick 30, 60, 90 or 120 seconds, tap Start and pass the phone. Pair it with the charades generator or drawing word generator for a complete round.
The numbers turn yellow for the last ten seconds and an optional beep sounds at zero. Where the browser allows it, the screen stays awake while the timer runs. Scores stay in this tab until you close it. For rules and hand signs, see charades rules.
Which timer length fits your group?
Sixty seconds fits most groups. Use 30 seconds for fast adult rounds with one-gesture words, and 90 to 120 seconds for young children, hard titles or reverse charades where the whole team acts.
Phone timer vs. this timer
A built-in stopwatch counts up but does not track teams. This timer adds a visible countdown ring, a last-ten-seconds warning, an optional beep and a two-to-four-team scoreboard, and it keeps the screen awake where the browser allows it.
How to run a fair round
Agree the rules before the first turn, then keep the same timer for both teams.
- Split into two teams (or play everyone for themselves with three or four players).
- The actor reads the word in pass-the-phone mode so guessers cannot peek.
- Start 60 seconds, act in silence, score one point per correct guess before time runs out.
- Rotate actors each round and give the losing team first pick of the next category.
Questions
How long should a charades turn be?
Sixty seconds is standard. Use 30 seconds for fast adult rounds and 90 to 120 seconds for young children or hard words.
Does the timer keep the phone screen on?
On browsers that support the Screen Wake Lock API (most recent Android and iPhone browsers), yes, while the timer is running. Elsewhere, set your screen timeout longer for the game.
Can I turn the sound off?
Yes. The sound is off until you tick Sound, and it only plays a short beep at zero.
How many teams can the score counter track?
Two to four. Tap the team name to rename it, and use + and − to change the score.
Will the scores be lost if I refresh?
No. Scores are kept for the browser tab, so a refresh keeps them. Closing the tab clears them.