Pomodoro Timer
Get more done in focused bursts. This Pomodoro timer runs a 25-minute work sprint followed by a 5-minute break, counts your completed sessions, and chimes when each interval ends.
Completed focus sessions: 0
How to use the Pomodoro Timer
Begin a 25-minute focus sprint.
Stay on one task; no tab-switching.
A 5-minute break starts automatically.
After four focus sessions you get a longer 15-minute break.
The idea behind the Pomodoro Technique
Developed by Francesco Cirillo as a university student (named after the tomato-shaped pomodoro kitchen timer he used), the technique rests on a simple insight: starting is the hard part, and focus decays without rest. By committing to just 25 minutes on one task, you lower the barrier to beginning; by guaranteeing a 5-minute break, you give attention time to recover. The ticking deadline also creates gentle urgency that crowds out the temptation to check your phone. After four pomodoros you earn a longer 15-minute break to reset properly.
Getting the most from each sprint
A few habits make the difference between busy and productive. Define the task before you start — "draft the intro", not "work on the essay". Protect the 25 minutes: if a distraction pops up, jot it on a notepad and deal with it in the break rather than breaking flow. Actually take the break — stand, stretch, look out a window; resting your eyes and body is what makes the next sprint sharp. Use the longer break to walk or get water. Over a morning, four-to-six pomodoros add up to several hours of genuinely focused work, usually far more than an unstructured session of the same length. Pair this with our countdown timer for fixed deadlines or the stopwatch to measure how long tasks really take.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
A time-management method created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. You work in 25-minute intervals ("pomodoros") separated by short 5-minute breaks, with a longer break after every four. It uses urgency and regular rest to sustain focus.
Why 25 minutes?
Twenty-five minutes is short enough to feel manageable (beating the inertia of starting) but long enough for real progress. The fixed end-point keeps you from drifting, and the looming break discourages distractions.
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
The countdown continues, though browsers may slow background timers slightly. Keep the tab visible for the most accurate chime.
Is the session count saved?
The count resets when you reload the page — it tracks your current sitting, which is all most people need for a focused block of work.