A new concept of counting time at fatigue processes is proposed, aimed to reach fractographic compatibility in cases of different loading sequences. Values of cycle effectivity are summarized to give the new reference time. The improvement is shown in application - textural fractography of three specimens loaded by constant cycle, constant cycle with periodic overloading, and a random block, respectively. In contrast to the conventional crack growth rate, the reference crack growth rate is related to common morphologic features of all fracture surfaces.