Pomodoro Timer
Last updated: 2026-06-25
The Pomodoro timer is a time management tool that keeps you focused by repeating 25 minutes of focus and a 5-minute break as one set. When focus ends it automatically moves to a break, and a long break (default 15 minutes) is applied every 4 sets.
Press Start below and the focus time counts down, ringing an alarm each time a focus or break period ends.
Pomodoro Timer
Completed focus sets: 0
You must press the Start button yourself for the browser to allow the alarm sound. In background tabs the alarm may be delayed.
How to use
- Set the times — Set the focus time (default 25 min), short break (default 5 min), long break (default 15 min), and sets before a long break (default 4).
- Start — Press Start and the focus time counts down; when it reaches zero an alarm rings and it automatically moves to the break time.
- Repeat the cycle — Alternate focus and breaks, with a long break applied after the number of sets you set. Use the Pause, Reset, and Skip buttons to control it anytime.
What is the Pomodoro timer
The Pomodoro timer implements the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method devised by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The name comes from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used; "pomodoro," Italian for tomato, refers to a single 25-minute unit of focus.
One focus session (one Pomodoro) is 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute short break. After completing four focus sessions, you take a long break of 15 to 30 minutes. Separating work and rest into a steady rhythm like this reduces procrastination and makes it easier to sustain focus to the end.
| Phase | Default time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Focus (1 Pomodoro) | 25 min | A unit of time devoted to a single task |
| Short break | 5 min | A brief recovery after each focus session |
| Long break | 15 min | A full rest after four focus sets |
| Long break interval | 4 sets | Focus sessions before a long break applies |
This timer lets you set the focus, short break, and long break times as well as the long-break interval, so beyond the classic 25/5 ratio you can adjust to a rhythm that fits you, such as 50/10. Learn more about the principles and practical use of the Pomodoro Technique in the Pomodoro Technique guide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the Pomodoro timer 25 minutes?
Francesco Cirillo, who created the Pomodoro Technique, set 25 minutes as one unit of focus (one Pomodoro). 25 minutes is known to be a comfortable length to sustain focus on a single task, paired with a 5-minute short break. In this timer you can freely change the focus time anywhere from 1 to 120 minutes.
When does the long break apply?
By default, a long break (default 15 minutes) replaces the short break every time you complete 4 focus sessions. You can change the number of sets before a long break in the settings; for example, set it to 2 to get a long break after every 2 focus sessions.
Will the alarm ring on time if the tab is in the background?
Browsers may throttle timers (setInterval) in background tabs to save power, so switching to another tab or app can slightly delay the alarm or its sound. If you need an accurate alarm, keep the timer tab on screen.
The alarm sound is not playing.
Because of browser autoplay policies, you must click a button on the page at least once (interact) for sound to play. Pressing the Start button directly activates the audio. Also check that your device volume is on and not in silent mode.
Are my times or progress saved?
This timer does not send your inputs to a server, and refreshing the page resets the cycle in progress. Since you enter the times yourself each time, no personal data is collected or stored.
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Last updated: 2026-06-25