When seeds are sown in soil, germination is usually counted to the time the sprout becomes visible. It does take some time for it to reach the surface though. It's not an exact measure in any case, because germination is a process.

For example, if you've ever soaked dried beans to cook them, you've germinated them. Even though the sprouts may have not become visible on the bean, the process was started.

If you germinate the seed in a paper towel, you can have a better idea of the time it takes for a sprout to form, than if you germinate in soil. But, as discussed, it's a process. When people say "it took such, and such a time to germinate", they are usually speaking of the time it takes for the sprout to become visible. But even that isn't a perfect measure because seeds are often, and easily, planted at different depths.

Thanks. I wasn't sure if it only meant thats when the sprout starts to grow and its not an indication of the general time frame to see the sprout above the soil.