Quick answer: To cut an MP3, add the file, type the start and end times and click Cut audio. The Original quality option copies the audio without re-encoding, so there is no extra quality loss. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
How to use the MP3 Cutter
- Add an MP3 (or another audio file) up to 50 MB. A player appears so you can listen.
- Type the start and end times, for example 0:30 and 1:15, or use seconds such as 90.5.
- Leave the output on Original quality for the fastest, lossless cut, then click Cut audio and download the clip.
How trimming works
Use the player to find the moment you want, then type the start and end times. The end box is filled with the length of the file, so leave it as it is to cut from your start time to the end. Times can be written as minutes and seconds (1:25), hours, minutes and seconds (1:02:30) or plain seconds (85.5). The tool keeps one continuous section; it does not remove a piece from the middle.
Original quality or re-encode?
Original quality copies the audio without re-encoding, so there is no extra quality loss and the cut is very fast. MP3 audio is stored in small frames of about 26 milliseconds, so a copy cut lands on the nearest frame and can be a fraction of a second off.
Re-encode decodes the audio and saves a fresh MP3 at 128, 192 or 320 kbps. It is accurate to the exact time you typed, but it creates a new lossy copy. Non-MP3 files such as M4A or WAV are always re-encoded to MP3.
Common uses
- Making a short clip of a song or recording you own for a presentation or video.
- Trimming silence or noise from the start and end of a voice recording.
- Creating a short alert sound or ringtone. Check the format and length your phone accepts; many Android phones accept MP3.
- Splitting a long recording into parts. Cut the first part, then run the tool again for the next range.
Need a different format?
The clip is saved as an MP3. To convert it to something else, use the MP3 to WAV Converter, or shrink a WAV with the WAV to MP3 Converter.
Private by design
The cut runs inside your browser. Your audio is not uploaded to FormatVolt or any other server. The first time you use an audio tool, your browser downloads the converter engine (about 30 MB), which is then cached so the next job starts faster. Each file can be up to 50 MB.
Frequently asked questions
How do I cut an MP3 online?
Add your file, type the start and end times, choose the output and click Cut audio. Then download the clip.
Does cutting reduce the quality?
Not with Original quality, because the audio is copied without re-encoding. If you choose a re-encode option, a new lossy MP3 is created.
Why is my cut slightly off the time I typed?
MP3 audio is stored in frames of about 26 milliseconds, so a no-re-encode cut starts on the nearest frame. Choose a re-encode option for an exact cut.
Can I cut a file that is not an MP3?
Yes. M4A, WAV, OGG and other common audio files are accepted. They are saved as MP3, so they are always re-encoded.
Can I remove a section from the middle?
No. The tool keeps one continuous section between the start and end times.
Is there a file size limit?
Yes. Each file can be up to 50 MB.
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Last updated: November 10, 2026