Pomodoro Timer
A free Pomodoro timer for focused work. Run 25-minute focus sessions separated by short breaks, with a longer break after every four — all in your browser.
How to use
What the Pomodoro Technique is
Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, it breaks work into 25-minute focus blocks ("pomodoros") separated by 5-minute breaks, with a longer 15–30 minute break after four blocks.
How to use this timer
Press Start to begin a focus session. When it ends, the timer automatically switches to a break and back again. Use Skip to jump ahead, or adjust the durations to suit your own rhythm.
Why it works
Short, timed sprints reduce the friction of starting and make large tasks feel manageable. The enforced breaks help sustain concentration across a long day and reduce burnout.
The technique is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer (pomodoro is Italian for tomato) that Francesco Cirillo used as a university student to time his study sessions.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Pomodoro session?
A standard Pomodoro is 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four sessions you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. The 25-minute length is a guideline, not a rule — some people prefer 50-minute blocks with 10-minute breaks. This timer lets you set any durations you like.
Should I adjust the timer lengths?
Yes — the 25/5 split is a starting point. Deep, complex work often suits longer focus blocks of 50 minutes, while highly distractible tasks may benefit from shorter 15-minute sprints. Experiment to find what keeps you in flow without burning out, and adjust the inputs above accordingly.
What should I do during the breaks?
Step away from the screen. Stand up, stretch, get water, or look out of a window — anything that rests your eyes and mind. Avoid starting another demanding task or scrolling social media, as these don't give your attention a genuine reset before the next focus session.