Pomodoro timer
Focus for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and a longer one after four rounds – the timer runs the cycle for you.
Focus
Pomodoro 1 of 4
Completed today in this tab: 0
Settings
How the Pomodoro® Technique works
The Pomodoro® Technique is a time-management method created by Francesco Cirillo. Its basic cycle, as described in the Emory University Libraries guide that follows Cirillo’s book:
- Choose one task.
- Set the timer for 25 minutes – one “Pomodoro” – and work on the task until it rings.
- Take a short break of about 5 minutes.
- After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of about 15 to 30 minutes.
This timer runs that cycle for you: focus, short break, focus … and a long break after the number of rounds you choose. The creator describes the timer as only the starting point of the method, which also includes planning and recording your Pomodoros.
Sources: Emory University Libraries – The Pomodoro Technique (opens in a new tab); The Pomodoro® Technique by Francesco Cirillo (opens in a new tab)
How to use this Pomodoro timer
Start a focus session
Press Start focus. When the 25 minutes are up, the sound plays and the short break starts by itself (turn off “Start the next phase automatically” in Settings if you prefer to start each phase yourself).
Change the lengths
Open Settings to change the focus and break lengths and after how many rounds the long break comes. Changes apply from the next phase, or right away if the timer is not running.
Skip or reset
Skip ends the current phase and moves to the next one; a skipped focus session is not counted. Reset goes back to the first focus session.
Keyboard
Space starts or pauses, S skips to the next phase and R resets while paused.
Good to know
The timer is deadline-based, so a slow or background tab does not make it drift, but browsers may delay sounds in background tabs – keep the tab visible when the alarm matters. Your settings and progress stay in this tab while the browser allows session storage; nothing is sent to a server. For a single countdown, use the 25 minute timer; to run several countdowns at once, use multiple timers.
Pomodoro® and Pomodoro Technique® are registered trademarks of Francesco Cirillo. MinuteTimer is not affiliated with or endorsed by him.
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Get in touch
How long is a Pomodoro?
Traditionally 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break of about 5 minutes. After four Pomodoros comes a longer break of about 15 to 30 minutes. You can change all of these lengths in Settings.
Does a skipped focus session count?
No. Only focus sessions that run to zero are added to “Completed today”. Skip moves on to the next phase without counting.
Will the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. Each phase has a fixed end time, so the count stays correct in a background tab. Browsers can delay sounds in background tabs, so keep the tab visible when you need the alarm on time.
Is this the official Pomodoro® timer?
No. Pomodoro® is a registered trademark of Francesco Cirillo, who offers official timers on his own site. This is an independent timer that follows the basic work and break cycle.