How to use the Pomodoro Timer
- Press Start to begin a 25-minute focus session. The time left shows in the progress ring and in the browser tab title.
- When the focus session ends, an alert sounds and the timer moves to a short break (5 minutes) automatically. When the break ends, you go back to focus.
- After 4 focus sessions you get a 15-minute long break. Your completed sessions and total focus time for today are tracked below the timer.
- Open Settings to change the focus and break lengths or turn auto-start on or off. You can also turn on desktop notifications so you get an alert while working in another window.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method created by Francesco Cirillo in Italy in the late 1980s. It is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used as a university student (pomodoro is Italian for tomato).
The basic rules are simple. Pick one task, work on only that task for 25 minutes, and when the timer rings, take a 5-minute break. Each round is called one "pomodoro." After four pomodoros, take a longer break of about 15 to 30 minutes. Working in short blocks makes it easier to get started, and regular breaks help you stay fresh during long study or work sessions.
Suggested Pomodoro settings for study and work
| Situation | Focus | Short break | Long break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Pomodoro | 25 min | 5 min | 15–30 min |
| Exam prep, SAT/ACT, GCSEs, A-levels or certification study | 50 min | 10 min | 30 min |
| Low-focus days or kids' homework | 15 min | 3–5 min | 15 min |
| Deep work such as coding or writing | 45–50 min | 10 min | 30 min |
There is no single right answer. Try the defaults for a few days, then adjust little by little to match the point where your focus usually fades. Your settings are saved in this browser, so they apply automatically next time.
Tips for getting the most out of a Pomodoro timer
- Before you start, write down in one line what you will do in the next 25 minutes. Adding tasks to a to-do list and checking them off one by one makes progress feel real.
- If another task pops into your head while you are focusing, don't switch to it. Jot it down and deal with it during your break.
- During breaks, skip the phone and rest your eyes and body instead: stretch, drink some water or look out the window.
- Keeping track of how many pomodoros you complete each day lets you measure your workload in sessions instead of hours.
How this timer works
- The timer runs entirely in your browser. No account or sign-up is needed, and your settings and daily stats are stored only on this device.
- While it runs, the browser tab title shows the time left with a 🍅 for focus or a ☕ for breaks, so you can check it from another tab.
- Use Skip to next to move to the next phase early, or Reset to start over from a fresh focus session.
- Turn off Auto-start next phase if you'd rather press Start yourself after each focus session or break.