Online Countdown Timer
Set any time from 10 seconds to 5 hours. Choose a preset or enter a custom duration, then press Start. An alarm sounds automatically when time runs out.
Timer
The online timer is a free countdown timer that counts down from a time you set and alerts you when it reaches zero. You can choose from preset durations or enter a custom time in hours, minutes, and seconds. Pause and resume the countdown at any point without losing your progress.
How to Use the Timer
Click any of the preset buttons to set a duration instantly, or type your own time into the hours, minutes, and seconds fields. Press Start to begin the countdown. Use the Pause button to freeze the timer and Resume to continue. Press Reset if you need to start over.
When the timer reaches zero, an alarm sounds to notify you.
Popular Timer Durations
The most used timer lengths and what they are typically used for:
- 5 Minute Timer - Pomodoro breaks, pasta timing, short focus sessions
- 10 Minute Timer - Presentations, meditation, cooking checks
- 15 Minute Timer - Quarter-hour work sprints and classroom transitions
- 20 Minute Timer - Standard Pomodoro session and power nap timing
- 25 Minute Timer - Classic Pomodoro work block
- 30 Minute Timer - Half-hour tasks, meetings, gym rest periods
- 1 Hour Timer - Long work sessions, exam timing, hourly reminders
Best Uses for a Countdown Timer
Countdown timers are useful in any situation where you need to track a fixed period of time. Common uses include cooking and kitchen timing, Pomodoro work sessions, classroom activity periods, workout rest intervals, and meditation sessions.
Pomodoro timers alternate between 25-minute work blocks and 5-minute breaks. The preset buttons make it simple to switch between these without reconfiguring anything. Pair the timer with the scoreboard for games that need both timed rounds and a running score, or use the tally counter to count events during the timed period.
Pause, Resume, and Alarm
The pause and resume function lets you handle interruptions without losing your countdown. If the phone rings or you step away mid-session, pause the timer and pick up exactly where you left off.
The alarm that plays at zero is loud enough to catch your attention from another room. Keep your device volume at a comfortable level before starting a timer intended to act as a reminder.
How to Set a Custom Time
If none of the presets match what you need, use the custom time input. Enter hours in the first field, minutes in the second, and seconds in the third. For a 7-minute timer, enter 0 hours, 7 minutes, and 0 seconds, then press Start.
For longer periods such as 90 minutes, enter 1 hour and 30 minutes. Both input styles work correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the timer keep running if I switch to another tab?
Yes. The timer continues counting down in the background while you work in other tabs.
Can I set a timer longer than 5 hours?
Yes. Use the custom time input to set any duration you need. The preset buttons go up to 2 hours, but the custom fields accept any value.
Will the alarm play if my volume is off?
No. Make sure your device volume is on before setting a timer you rely on for an alert.
Does the timer save my settings if I close the page?
No. Closing the tab clears the timer. If you need to return to a specific duration, note it before closing the page.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that alternates 25-minute focused work blocks with 5-minute breaks. After four cycles, you take a longer 15 to 30 minute break.
Can I use this on my phone?
Yes. The timer works on any mobile browser and keeps running while the browser tab is open.