About the Pomodoro Timer
This Pomodoro Timer runs the classic work rhythm: a focus session, a short break, and after a set number of sessions a longer break. The defaults are 25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of short break, and a 15-minute long break after every fourth session, and you can change every number under Settings. Start, pause, reset or skip with large buttons, switch phase by hand when you need to, and let the next phase start on its own if you like. A short beep marks the end of each phase, and the countdown appears in the browser tab title so you can see it from another tab. The countdown is worked out from the clock, not by counting ticks. It stops if you close the tab, keeps no history, and only your settings are remembered on your device.
Updated September 2026
How to use the Pomodoro Timer
- 1Press Start to begin a 25-minute focus session.
- 2Work until the beep. The timer moves to a short break, or a long break after your fourth session.
- 3Open Settings to change the focus, short break and long break lengths, or to start each phase automatically.
- 4Use Pause, Reset or Skip if your plan changes, and the phase buttons to jump to a break.
How the Pomodoro Technique works
The method is simple. Pick one task, start the timer and work on nothing else until it rings. Then take a short break away from the task. After four rounds, take a longer break. The fixed limit makes it easier to begin, because you only commit to one short block, and the breaks give your mind a chance to reset.
The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity habit, not a medical or study guarantee. Some people find it helps them start and stay on track, while others prefer longer stretches. Treat it as an experiment and keep what works.
Setting your focus and break lengths
Open Settings to choose your own numbers. Popular patterns include 25 and 5, 50 and 10 for deeper work, and 15 and 3 for tasks you keep putting off. Each length can be between 1 and 180 minutes. If you type a number outside the range, the timer adjusts it and tells you.
Changes apply to the next phase you start. If you are in the middle of a countdown, finish it or press Reset and the new length is used.
Long breaks and cycles
The dots under the timer show how far you are through a cycle. After the chosen number of focus sessions, the next break is the long one, and the dots start again afterwards. The Focus sessions done number keeps counting until you reload the page.
Skip moves to the next phase without counting an unfinished focus session. Switch on Start next phase automatically if you want a continuous cycle, or leave it off so that each phase waits for you to press Start. For a single timed task use the Countdown Timer, and for time spent use the Online Stopwatch.
Tips for studying and working
- Write down the one task for the session before you press Start.
- Keep a note beside you for stray thoughts, and deal with them at the break. The Online Notepad works well for this.
- Stand up, drink water and look away from the screen during breaks, instead of checking your phone.
- If a session is interrupted for good, press Reset instead of pretending it counted.
- Keep the tab title visible, since the countdown appears there while the timer is running.
Features
- Focus, short break and long break phases
- Lengths from 1 to 180 minutes, remembered on your device
- Long break after 2 to 12 focus sessions
- Optional automatic start of the next phase
- Beep at the end made in your browser, with no audio file
- Countdown shown in the browser tab title
- Progress dots and a count of focus sessions done
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
It is a time management method in which you work in short, focused blocks separated by breaks. A common version is 25 minutes of work, then a 5-minute break, repeated four times, followed by a longer rest. The blocks are named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer its creator used.
How long is a Pomodoro?
Traditionally 25 minutes, and that is the default here. Nothing about the method is fixed, so many people pick a length that suits the task. You can set any focus time from 1 to 180 minutes under Settings.
What is the long break for?
After several focus sessions your attention needs a proper rest, so the timer switches to a longer break, 15 minutes by default, after every fourth session. Use it to move around, eat or step outside. You can change how many sessions come before it, from 2 to 12.
Can I change the times to 50 and 10?
Yes. Open Settings, enter 50 for Focus and 10 for Short break, and the timer uses them straight away. The numbers are saved in your browser, so they are still there next time you open the page on the same device.
Will the timer run if I switch tabs?
Yes, the countdown keeps its place because it is calculated from the clock time when the phase ends. Browsers may slow a background tab, and on some phones the beep can arrive late if the screen is locked. The timer stops if you close the tab.
Does it keep my session history?
No. The count of focus sessions is shown for as long as the page is open and is cleared when you reload it. Only your settings, such as the lengths and the sound option, are saved on your device. Nothing is sent to a server.