🍅 Pomodoro Interval Timer

Boost your productivity with the proven Pomodoro Technique. Work in focused intervals, take regular breaks, and achieve more with less stress.

FOCUS SESSION
25:00
Round 1 of 4

Quick Presets

⚙️ Custom Settings

Enter work session duration in minutes, between 1 and 120
Enter short break duration in minutes, between 1 and 30
Enter long break duration in minutes, between 1 and 60
Enter number of work sessions before long break, between 1 and 10

🔊 Audio Settings

📊 Today's Statistics

0
Completed Sessions
0m
Total Focus Time
0
Current Streak

📚 How the Pomodoro Technique Works

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It uses a timer to break work into focused intervals (traditionally 25 minutes) separated by short breaks.

The basic process:

  • Work Session: Focus on a single task for 25 minutes without distractions
  • Short Break: Take a 5-minute break to recharge
  • Repeat: After 4 work sessions, take a longer 15-30 minute break
  • Track Progress: Each completed session represents one "pomodoro"

This technique helps maintain concentration, reduces the likelihood of burnout, and creates a more sustainable work rhythm. Regular breaks provide opportunities for mental recovery, which many users find helpful for managing attention and energy throughout the day.

💡 Tips for Maximum Productivity

  • Eliminate Distractions: Close unnecessary tabs, silence notifications, and inform others you're in a focus session
  • Plan Your Tasks: Before starting, decide what you'll work on during each pomodoro
  • Respect the Timer: When the timer rings, take your break even if you're in the flow. Your brain needs recovery time
  • Use Breaks Wisely: Stand up, stretch, get water, or step outside. Avoid screens during short breaks
  • Track Interruptions: If interrupted, note it and return to your task. This helps identify patterns
  • Adjust as Needed: Feel free to customize session lengths based on your task and energy levels
  • One Task Per Pomodoro: Focus on a single task during each session for best results
  • Review Your Progress: At the end of the day, review how many pomodoros you completed

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

Start/Pause Timer Space
Reset Timer R
Skip Session S

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Pomodoro interval for beginners? ▼

Start with the classic 25-minute work sessions and 5-minute breaks. Research suggests this duration helps many people maintain focus and manage mental fatigue effectively, though optimal interval length varies by individual and task type. Once comfortable, you can experiment with longer 50-minute sessions if you find yourself consistently getting into deep flow states, or shorter 15-minute intervals if you're easily distracted or working on challenging material.

Why does my timer stop when I close the browser tab? ▼

Our timer continues running in the background even when the tab is inactive. However, some browsers may throttle or pause background tabs to save resources. We recommend keeping the tab open or use browser notifications to get alerts when your session ends. For the most reliable experience, keep the timer tab visible or pinned in your browser.

Should I pause the timer if I get interrupted? ▼

It depends on the interruption length. For quick interruptions under 30 seconds (like answering a brief question), let the timer run and mark it as an internal interruption. For longer interruptions, pause the timer or consider that pomodoro void and start a fresh one. The key is maintaining the integrity of focused work periods - a pomodoro with multiple significant interruptions doesn't provide the same productivity benefits.

Can I skip breaks if I'm in the flow? ▼

While it's tempting, the Pomodoro Technique emphasizes the value of regular breaks for sustained performance. Research on cognitive performance suggests that breaks can help maintain focus over longer periods, though the optimal timing varies by individual and task. If you're truly in a deep flow state, consider taking a shorter 2-3 minute break instead of skipping entirely. However, many practitioners find that respecting the break schedule, even during productive periods, helps maintain consistent performance throughout the day and prevents eventual burnout.

How do I make the alarm louder or change the sound? ▼

Use the volume slider in the Audio Settings section to adjust alert volume from 0-100%. Test your volume with the "Preview Sound" button to ensure you'll hear it. The timer uses your system's default notification sound, which you can change in your browser or operating system settings. Make sure your device isn't muted and check your browser's site permissions if sounds aren't playing.

What should I do during my breaks? ▼

Use short breaks (5 minutes) to physically move away from your desk: stretch, walk around, get water, or look out a window to rest your eyes. Avoid screens and work-related activities. For long breaks (15-30 minutes), consider light exercise, a healthy snack, meditation, or social interaction. The goal is to give your brain complete rest from focused thinking and allow your body to reset.

How many pomodoros should I complete per day? ▼

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Many practitioners complete between 6-12 focused sessions (3-6 hours of concentrated work) per day, though this varies widely based on task complexity, energy levels, and work environment. Beginners might start with 4-6 sessions and gradually increase as they build the habit. Remember: quality matters more than quantity—completing fewer highly focused sessions is more valuable than many distracted ones. Listen to your body and adjust based on your personal capacity and the demands of your tasks.

Can I use this timer for activities other than work? ▼

Absolutely! The Pomodoro Technique works great for studying, creative projects, household chores, reading, practicing instruments, or any activity requiring sustained focus. You can adjust the interval lengths to match your activity - for example, use shorter intervals (15-20 minutes) for intense studying or physical tasks, and longer intervals (45-50 minutes) for creative work or reading.

Will this timer work on my phone or tablet? ▼

Yes! This timer is fully responsive and works on all devices including smartphones and tablets. For the best mobile experience, keep your browser tab active and prevent your device from going to sleep during sessions. Some mobile browsers may limit background timer functionality, so we recommend keeping the timer visible. You can also add this page to your home screen for quick access.

Why is my productivity better with shorter work sessions? ▼

The Pomodoro Technique leverages several psychological principles: time-boxing creates urgency and reduces procrastination, regular breaks prevent cognitive fatigue, and the clear start/end points make tasks feel more manageable. Knowing a break is coming helps maintain motivation, while the structured approach reduces decision fatigue about when to work and rest. The technique essentially gamifies productivity, making focused work feel more achievable and rewarding.