25 minute timer (pomodoro)
25 minutes of focus, 5 of rest. The classic that works.
How the pomodoro technique works
The pomodoro technique was created by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s, using a tomato-shaped kitchen timer. The rule is short: pick one task, focus on it for 25 minutes, take a 5 minute break. Every four rounds, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
It works because it swaps an endless task for a block with a clear end. During the 25 minutes, only that task. Remembered something else? Jot it on paper and get back to it. When it beeps, stop even if you're mid-sentence: the break is part of the method.
If 25 minutes feels like a lot, start with 10 or 15 and build up. The best pomodoro is the one you can actually start.
- Write a report or an essay
- Study one chapter
- Code one part of a project
- Sort the paperwork that piled up
- Tackle the ugliest task of the day
How to use this timer
Tap Start. The countdown keeps going even if you switch tabs or lock your computer, because it uses your device's clock rather than a counter that can drift. The tab title shows the time left, so you can see it at a glance.
Need more time? Tap +1 min without stopping. Just want a big clock? Tap Full screen. At the end you'll hear a short beep and, on phones, feel a vibration when the browser allows it.
Frequently asked questions
Why 25 minutes?
It's what Cirillo found long enough to get things done and short enough to hold focus. There's nothing magic about it: what matters is a block with a clear end and real breaks.
What should I do in the 5 minute break?
Stand up, drink water, look away from the screen. Avoid social media: it pulls you away from the next round.
Does the timer work when my screen is locked?
With the tab in the background, yes: time is measured by your device's clock and the sound is scheduled ahead. With the phone locked, some browsers silence the page. For a guaranteed alert on a locked phone, use the Done! app.
Do I need to install anything or sign up?
No. The timer runs in your browser, free, with no sign-up and no ads. Nothing you do here is sent anywhere.
Want this timer in your pocket?
Done! pairs the timer with one-tap micro-habits and gentle reminders. Never judges.
Free to download, no ads, no sign-up