Best Tally Counter for Lap Counter
Counting laps in the pool, on the track, or around a circuit demands the simplest possible interface: one tap per lap, haptic/sound feedback, and a big display you can glance at without losing your rhythm. For GPS-tracked laps, Strava or Garmin are better suited. For simple manual counting, a tally counter is ideal.
What makes a great lap counter app?
Lap counting is simple, but the environment demands reliability:
- Single-tap increment — the biggest, most obvious button possible.
- Sound cue — hear the count register through earbuds or poolside speakers.
- Haptic feedback — vibration for tactile confirmation mid-motion.
- Fullscreen display — see your lap count at a glance without squinting.
- Reset — cleanly zero out between sessions.
- Undo — accidental double-taps happen, especially with wet fingers.
- Responsive design — works equally well on phone at the pool edge or watch-sized screens.
- Auto-save — screen timeout between laps shouldn't lose the count.
Lap counter features — compared
We tested each app for pool lap counting and track running: tap speed, wet-finger reliability, audio cues through earbuds, and display visibility outdoors.
| Feature | digitaltallycounter.com | habitica.com | myfitnesspal.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Features for Lap Counting | |||
| Increment counter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-save (browser) | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Responsive design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reset counter | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Sound effects | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Undo last action | ✓ | — | — |
| Haptic feedback | ✓ | — | — |
| Fullscreen / focus mode | ✓ | — | — |
| Fitness Tracking Features | |||
| Rep counter mode | ✓ | — | — |
| Set tracking | ✓ | — | — |
| Rest timer between sets | ✓ | — | — |
| Workout history log | ✓ | — | — |
| Exercise presets | ✓ | — | — |
| Daily habit tracking | ✓ | — | — |
The verdict
DigitalTallyCounter.com
Large increment button, haptic + sound feedback, fullscreen mode for poolside visibility, undo for double-taps, and auto-save through screen locks. Works offline as a PWA — no signal needed at the pool or track. Free.
Open DigitalTallyCounter.com →Cronometer
Comprehensive fitness and nutrition tracking with exercise logging. Not a dedicated lap counter, but useful if you want to track workouts alongside nutrition. Free tier.
Visit Cronometer →Counting pool laps without losing track
Every swimmer knows the frustration: "Was that lap 14 or 15?" The combination of haptic feedback (you feel the confirmation) and sound cues (hear it through waterproof earbuds) gives you double confirmation. Auto-save means resting at the wall with the screen off doesn't reset your count.
Track and circuit lap counting
For running laps or cycling circuits, the key feature is fullscreen mode — mount your phone on your arm or prop it trackside, and the large digits are visible at a glance. For coaching scenarios where you're counting laps for multiple athletes, create a separate counter per runner.
Never lose count again — for free.
One-tap counting, haptic feedback, fullscreen display. Works offline.
Open DigitalTallyCounter.com