How to use the online timer
- Tap a quick start button, such as 5 min or 10 min, and the countdown begins straight away. Or type hours, minutes and seconds and press Start.
- Press Pause at any time, then Resume to carry on, or Reset to go back to the start.
- When it reaches zero, an alarm beeps, the clock flashes and the browser tab shows "Time's up", so you'll notice even if you're on another tab.
The timer counts against your device's clock rather than counting ticks, so it stays accurate even if you switch tabs. Keep the page open, and on a phone keep the screen on, because phones often pause web pages when they lock.
Keyboard shortcuts: Space starts and pauses, R resets and F goes full screen.
Full screen for classrooms, gyms and meetings
Press Full screen to fill the whole display with a big, easy-to-read countdown. It's ideal on a classroom whiteboard for timed tests and tidy-up time, on a TV for circuit training, or shared in a meeting to keep agenda items to time. Press Escape to exit.
The Pomodoro technique
Pomodoro is a simple way to focus. You work on one task for 25 minutes with no distractions, then take a 5-minute break. After four focus sessions you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. It was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s and named after his tomato-shaped kitchen timer (pomodoro is Italian for tomato).
Switch to Pomodoro mode and the timer runs the cycle for you: focus, short break, focus, short break, and so on, with a long break after every fourth session. You can change the lengths. Some people prefer 50 minutes of focus with 10-minute breaks for deeper work.
It works well for revision, writing, admin and coding, because a timer that's already running makes it easier to start, and the breaks stop you burning out.
Popular timer lengths
| Timer | Good for |
|---|---|
| 1 minute | Plank holds, quick-fire quizzes, letting tea brew |
| 2 minutes | Brushing teeth (the NHS recommends 2 minutes) |
| 3 to 4 minutes | Boiled eggs, a cup of tea, short presentations |
| 5 minutes | Short breaks, warm-ups, timed starters in class |
| 10 minutes | Meditation, power naps, tidy-up time |
| 20 to 30 minutes | Pomodoro focus sessions, workouts, homework |
| 1 hour | Exam practice papers, slow cooking checks |
Other time tools
- Need to time something with no fixed end? Use the stopwatch, which records lap times too.
- Counting down to a date rather than minutes? The days until calculator counts days to Christmas or any date.
- Adding up hours and minutes? Try the time calculator.
- Cooking a roast? The turkey cooking time calculator works out how long to set.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set a timer for 5 minutes?
Tap the 5 min button and the timer starts straight away. An alarm sounds when it reaches zero.
Will the timer keep going if I switch tabs?
Yes. It counts against your device's clock, so it stays accurate in the background, and the tab title shows the time left. On a phone, keep the screen on, as the browser may pause when it locks.
Why can't I hear the alarm?
Check that the sound option is ticked and your volume is up. Some browsers only allow sound after you've pressed a button on the page, which pressing Start does.
What is a Pomodoro timer?
It's a timer for the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer 15-minute break after every four sessions.
Can I use the timer full screen?
Yes. Press Full screen (or F on your keyboard) for a large countdown, ideal for classrooms, workouts and meetings. Press Escape to exit.
Last reviewed October 2026. Keep this tab open while the timer runs. Your phone may pause it if the screen locks.