Tally Counter

What this tally counter does

This tally counter is the online version of the metal hand clicker: tap the big green button and it adds one. Unlike a clicker, it can run up to 20 named counters side by side, count in steps of 1, 2, 5 or 10, take a number off when you over-tap, and warn you when a counter reaches a target. Everything stays in your browser, so your counts are still there if you close the tab and come back.

How to use it

1. Tap the green button (or press Space) to add. Use the − button or the - key to subtract.
2. Rename the counter by clicking its name, for example “Adults” or “Red cars”.
3. Add more counters with + Add counter. Keys 1 to 9 switch between the first nine, so you can count several categories without touching the mouse.
4. Set a target if you need to stop at a number, such as room capacity. A progress bar fills up and you get an alert (and a vibration on phones) when you reach it.
5. Made a mistake? Undo (or Z) reverses the last change, and Set value jumps straight to a number.

On a phone, Full-screen tap mode turns the whole screen into one button, which is the closest thing to a real clicker: you can count without looking.

What people use it for

• Headcounts at doors, events, tours and classrooms, with separate counters for entries and exits.
• Traffic and wildlife surveys: one counter per vehicle type or species.
• Stock checks and quick inventory counts.
• Sports: laps, reps, pitches, shots on target.
• Habits and practice: repetitions, prayers or mantras, glasses of water.
• Knitting and crochet rows and stitches.

Keeping a record

Each change is logged with the time, so you can see when the count went up and spot a burst of arrivals. Download CSV saves every counter plus the full log for a spreadsheet, and Copy puts a short summary on your clipboard for a message or report. The panel also shows your tapping rate per minute, handy for flow counts.

Frequently asked questions

Is this tally counter free?

Yes. There is no sign-up and no limit on how high you can count. It works on phones, tablets and computers.

Will I lose my count if I close the page?

No. Counters, targets and the log are saved in your browser on this device. They are not uploaded anywhere, and clearing your browser data removes them.

Can it count down?

Yes. Use the minus button or the - key. By default it stops at zero; tick Allow negative numbers if you need to go below.

How do I count two things at once?

Add a second counter and switch with keys 1 and 2, or just tap the counter you need on a touch screen. The total of all counters is shown on the right.

Does it work offline?

Once the page has loaded, counting needs no connection, so a dropped signal at an outdoor event won’t stop you.

For counting by hand on paper, our guide to tally marks explains the five-bar gate and its variants. Testing a keyboard or a mouse instead? Try the spacebar counter or the CPS test.