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Tally Counter

A simple counter for repetitions, attendance, inventory, habits, and anything else that moves one step at a time.

By Goodies Stack · How we check our tools

Instructions, examples, and limitations ↓
Tally counter controls

Keep up to 20 named counters. Controls and shortcuts change only the selected counter.

Current count0

Keyboard: + / ↑ and − / ↓

Saved automatically in this browser.

Reset the counter?

This will replace the current count with zero.

Create a counter

Delete this counter?

Quick guide

How to use the tally counter

  1. 1

    Choose Increase or Decrease as you count.

  2. 2

    Use the number field when you need to jump to an exact whole number.

  3. 3

    Return later—the latest count is saved in this browser when storage is available.

Choose what one click means

Count a total or track a balance

A tally is reliable only when you count the same kind of event each time. For arrivals, start at zero and increase once per person. For items in a box, set the starting quantity and use Increase for additions and Decrease for removals. The same controls answer different questions depending on your rule.

Suppose a workshop has 18 people in the room. Set the counter to 18, increase it as 7 more arrive, and decrease it as 4 leave. The result is18 + 7 − 4 = 21 people present. It is not the total number of visits during the workshop, because departures have reduced the balance.

For completed repetitions, count at the end of each repetition rather than the start. If you accidentally count twice, one Decrease corrects the total. A negative value is allowed, which can help with a running difference, but it usually signals an error when you are counting physical items.

Use checkpoints for longer counts

When counting a large collection, divide it into manageable groups. After finishing each shelf or box, write down its label and the running total. If you are interrupted, that checkpoint makes it possible to resume without recounting the entire collection.

For example, if the counter reads 36 after shelf A and 61 after shelf B, shelf B contributed 61 − 36 = 25 items. The counter stores each named counter’s latest number. Keep a chronological checkpoint log separately in theOnline Notepad or on paper.

Use one active counter tab for a counting session. Several open tabs or different devices are not a shared live counter, and the tool does not merge independent updates. For several categories, choose New counter and give each a name. Switch between up to 20 counters using the selector; Increase, Decrease, Set count, Reset, and shortcuts affect the selected counter only.

What the saved number tells you

The latest whole-number value is saved automatically when browser storage is available. Returning in the same browser profile restores that value. Clearing site data or using another browser can leave you with a different starting point, so confirm the displayed number before you begin.

Each counter has a name, but no event history or timestamps. It cannot explain who clicked, when an item was counted, or how long a session lasted. Write down a final record when those details matter. If your goal is to count activations within a fixed time, use theClicks Per Second Test instead.

Good to know

Tally Counter FAQ

Can the counter go below zero?

Yes. Decrease from zero or set any negative whole number.

Where is my count saved?

Your named counters are stored with localStorage in your own browser. An existing saved count becomes Counter 1 automatically. Counters are not synced between devices. Rename changes the label; Delete removes that counter after confirmation. Deleting the last counter creates a fresh Counter 1 at zero.

Which keyboard shortcuts work?

Use plus or Arrow Up to increase, and minus or Arrow Down to decrease. Shortcuts pause while you type in a field.

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