How to use the online timer
- 1.
Choose the mode
"Timer" counts down a set number of hours, minutes and seconds. "To date & time" counts down to a moment in the future.
- 2.
Set the time
Use a quick preset (1-60 minutes, including 25-minute pomodoro) or type hours, minutes and seconds.
- 3.
Press Start
You can pause, resume and reset the countdown, or switch to fullscreen.
- 4.
Hear the alarm
When time is up, an alarm sound plays. You can also enable a browser notification that appears even when you are on another tab.
Quick presets and the pomodoro technique
The preset buttons cover the times people use most: 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. 25 minutes is the classic work block of the pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focus, a 5-minute break, and a longer 15-30 minute break after four rounds. The timer works just as well in the kitchen, at the gym, for homework or to keep a meeting on schedule.
Counting down to a date and time
In "To date & time" mode you enter a moment in the future and the timer shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left. One click sets a New Year countdown to midnight on 1 January. The time is based on your device's time zone, so a New Year countdown hits zero at your local midnight.
Example: at 12:00 on 11 October 2026 there are 81 days and 12 hours left until midnight on 1 January 2027. If you only need the number of days between two dates, use the days between dates calculator.
Why it stays accurate in the background
Browsers slow down timers in inactive tabs, so a naive "subtract one every second" counter drifts. This timer stores the exact end moment and recalculates the remaining time from the system clock on every tick, driven by a Web Worker that is not throttled. The alarm is generated in the browser with Web Audio, with no sound files to download. The remaining time is also shown in the tab title. Keep in mind that the device must stay awake - locking a phone can suspend the tab.
How long to set? Typical times
| Use | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft / hard boiled egg | 4-5 min / 9-10 min | from boiling, medium egg |
| Black / green tea | 3-5 min / 2-3 min | green tea at about 80 °C |
| Spaghetti | 8-11 min | check the pack, one minute less for al dente |
| Pomodoro work / break | 25 min / 5 min | 15-30 min break after 4 rounds |
| Rest between gym sets | 1-3 min | longer for heavy lifts |
| Talk or presentation | 5-15 min | fullscreen, visible to the speaker |
| Power nap | 20 min | short enough to avoid deep sleep |
A timer counts down from a set time. To measure how long something takes (a run, a task, a speech), use the online stopwatch, which counts up and records laps. Timer mode goes up to 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds; for longer countdowns, such as to a holiday or an exam, use "To date & time" mode.
Frequently asked questions
Will the timer ring if I switch to another tab?
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How do I set a New Year countdown?
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What is a 25-minute pomodoro?
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Why can I not hear the alarm?
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Can I see the time left without opening the page?
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Can I use it fullscreen in a classroom or gym?
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