Pomodoro Timer
The Pomodoro Technique, created by Francesco Cirillo, splits work into short, focused bursts — traditionally 25 minutes — separated by brief breaks, with a longer break after every four sessions. The idea is simple: committing to one task for a fixed, short time makes it easier to start, protects you from distractions and gives your brain regular rest. This timer runs entirely in your browser: set your own focus and break lengths, press Start, and it counts down, beeps when a phase ends and shows the time in the browser tab so you can see it while working in another window. The planner below the timer tells you how many sessions fit in your day.
How to use the pomodoro timer
- Pick one task and decide on the focus length. The classic 25 minutes works for many people; try 50/10 for deeper work.
- Press Start and work on that single task until the timer sounds. Write down distractions to deal with later instead of switching.
- Take the break away from the screen: stand, stretch, drink water. Do not start new work.
- After four focus sessions, take the long break, then repeat.
- Use the planner to see how many sessions fit in your working hours.
Formula
One full set = sessions × focus + (sessions − 1) × short break + long break. With the classic settings that is 4 × 25 + 3 × 5 + 15 = 130 minutes, of which 100 are focus (77%). Sessions that fit in a day = floor(available minutes ÷ average minutes per session), where the average includes breaks.
Worked examples
Classic 25/5/15
2:10 (4 × 25 min focus, 3 short breaks, 1 long break). In an 8-hour day that fits 14 focus sessions — about 5:50 of focused work, since breaks and meetings take the rest.
Deep work 50/10
Longer sessions suit coding, writing and study: 3:20 (3 × 50 min focus, 2 short breaks, 1 long break) per set, with 75% of the time spent focusing.
Studying for an exam
Use 25/5 for reading and practice problems, then spend the long break away from your phone. Switching subjects between sessions improves recall for many learners.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping breaks. Breaks are part of the method — they sustain focus across the day.
- Planning too many sessions. Real days include meetings, messages and interruptions; four to eight sessions is a realistic target.
- Multitasking inside a session. One session, one task.
- Using a timer that is too short or too long for you. Experiment: 15, 25, 40 and 50 minutes all work for different tasks.
- Letting the break turn into scrolling. A walk, water and stretching restore focus better.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Pomodoro?
Traditionally 25 minutes of focus, then a 5-minute break, with a 15–30 minute break after four sessions. You can customise every length here.
Does the timer work if I switch tabs?
Yes. It keeps accurate time from the system clock, and the remaining time shows in the tab title. Sound alerts may need you to have interacted with the page first.
Is the Pomodoro Technique effective?
Many people find fixed, short focus blocks help them start and sustain work, though results vary and the method is not a cure for a poor workload.
Can I change the session lengths?
Yes — set focus, short break, long break and the number of sessions before a long break.
Does it save my settings or data?
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is stored or sent.
What is a good Pomodoro for studying?
25/5 is a popular start; 45–50 minutes with a 10-minute break suits longer concentration tasks.
Reviewed September 26, 2026 by the SolveCalcPro editorial team. Found a mistake? Tell us; see our editorial policy.