How to use the timer
- Timer: pick a preset or type hours/minutes/seconds, then press Start. An alarm sounds at zero.
- Stopwatch: switch tabs, press Start to count up, and hit Lap to record split times.
- Pomodoro: runs a 25-minute focus session, then a 5-minute break, and counts your completed sessions.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique breaks work into 25-minute focus blocks separated by short 5-minute breaks. Each block is a "pomodoro." After four, you take a longer break. It works because a fixed, visible countdown creates gentle time pressure that makes it easier to start and to resist distractions — you're only ever committing to 25 minutes at a time.
Benefits
- Three tools in one — a countdown timer, a stopwatch with laps, and a Pomodoro focus timer.
- One-click presets and an audible alarm when a countdown reaches zero.
- Pomodoro mode auto-cycles 25-minute focus and 5-minute breaks and counts your sessions.
- Runs entirely in your browser with nothing to install.
Limitations to know
- Background browser tabs can be throttled slightly, so keep the page open for exact timing.
- The alarm needs your device volume on and audio unmuted.
- It does not send push notifications when the tab is closed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Muting the tab or device and then missing the alarm.
- Expecting the timer to keep running after the page is fully closed — reopen it to resume.
- Using the stopwatch when you meant the countdown timer (check the active tab).
Alternatives
To count down to a specific calendar date, use the Countdown Timer; to measure the gap between two dates, use Days Between Dates.
Last updated: August 2026 · Reviewed by the AI Toolbox editorial team.
Frequently asked questions
Will the alarm sound if I switch tabs?
The countdown keeps running and the alarm plays when time is up, as long as this page stays open in the background. Some browsers throttle background tabs slightly, so keep it open for exact timing.
Does it need an internet connection?
Only to load the page. Once open, the timer runs entirely in your browser.
Can I set a timer for hours?
Yes — use the Hours field for long countdowns like 1 or 2 hours.
Is the alarm loud enough?
It plays a short repeating beep and shows a visible "Time's up" state. Make sure your device isn't muted.