Håndtimede

Håndtimede is a Danish term meaning manually timed. It describes time measurements recorded by a human operator using a stopwatch or similar device rather than an electronic or automatic timing system. This method is used in sports, science experiments, and some industrial processes where automated timing is unavailable, impractical, or unnecessary. Manual timing relies on human start and stop signals in response to a cue, which introduces reaction time and human error as sources of variation. As a result, håndtimede times are typically less precise and can differ from electronically measured times.

In athletic competition, hand times were common before electronic timing and are still used in some amateur or lower-level events. Official results may include both hand-timed and electronically timed times, with hand times often rounded to the nearest tenth of a second or adjusted to facilitate comparison with electronic times. Governing bodies sometimes provide conversion guidelines, such as applying a small fixed addition to hand times when comparing with electronic results, to account for systematic differences.

In other contexts, håndtimede measurements can be adequate for simple process monitoring or exploratory experiments, but they tend to have lower reproducibility across operators and instruments. Clear documentation of the method, apparatus, and the cues used to start and stop the timing is essential for interpretation.

The term is primarily used in Danish-language sources and reflects the broader distinction between manual and automatic timing methods. With advances in timing technology, håndtimede timing has become less central in professional settings but remains relevant for historical reference and certain field applications.