Countdown Timer
Set a timer for any length or count down to a time of day. Choose an alarm sound, run Pomodoro or workout intervals, and go fullscreen – it keeps time even in a background tab.
- Alarm sounds
- Intervals and Pomodoro
- Fullscreen
- Accurate in background tabs
Press Start or Space
Space start/pause · R reset · F fullscreen
Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or saved.
How to use the countdown timer
- Set the timeType hours, minutes and seconds, tap a quick-start button, or choose “Until a time” to count down to a clock time such as 17:30.
- Pick the alarmChoose a sound, how long it rings and the volume. Press “Test sound” to hear it before you start.
- Start and relaxPress Start or the Space bar. The alarm rings on time even if you switch tabs. Press F for fullscreen.
Handy timer lengths
Not sure how long to set? These are common starting points – adjust them to your taste, stove or routine.
| For | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Green tea / black tea | 2–3 minutes / 3–5 minutes |
| Soft-boiled / hard-boiled egg (in boiling water) | 6–7 minutes / 10–12 minutes |
| Dried pasta | 8–12 minutes – check the packet |
| Power nap | 10–20 minutes |
| Pomodoro focus block | 25 minutes, then a 5-minute break |
| Tabata workout | 8 rounds of 20 s work and 10 s rest – 4 minutes |
The Pomodoro technique in short
Work on one task for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and after four rounds take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. Choose Intervals → Pomodoro and the timer switches between focus and break for you, with a different sound for each.
How this timer stays accurate
Many browser timers count down one tick at a time, so they fall behind when the tab is in the background. This one compares against your device’s clock instead, and schedules the alarm sound in advance with the Web Audio clock, so it rings on time even if you switch tabs. The browser still has to stay open: closing the tab, or letting a phone lock its screen, can stop the alarm.
Keyboard shortcuts
- Space – start, pause or resume (or stop a ringing alarm)
- R – reset
- F – fullscreen on or off
- + – add one minute
Frequently asked questions
How do I set a countdown timer?
Type the hours, minutes and seconds and press Start, or tap one of the quick-start buttons such as 5 or 25 minutes, which start straight away. Press the Space bar to pause and resume, and R to reset.
Will the alarm ring if I switch to another tab?
Yes. The timer checks the device clock rather than counting ticks, and the alarm sound is scheduled in advance, so it rings on time in a background tab. Closing the tab, or a phone locking its screen, can stop it – keep “Keep the screen on” ticked on phones.
Can I count down to a specific time of day?
Yes. Choose “Until a time” and pick the time, for example 17:30. If that time has already passed today, the timer counts down to the same time tomorrow.
How does the interval timer work?
Choose Intervals, then set the work time, rest time and number of rounds, or pick a preset such as Tabata (20 s work, 10 s rest, 8 rounds) or Pomodoro (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break, 4 rounds). Different sounds mark work and rest, with optional 3-2-1 beeps before each change.
Can I show the timer on a TV or projector?
Yes. Press Fullscreen or the F key and the timer fills the screen. The ring changes colour for get ready, work, rest and time up, so it can be read from across a room.
Can I share a timer with someone?
Press “Copy link”. The link contains the time, label and sound, so the timer opens ready to go. It doesn’t start by itself, because browsers only allow sound after you press a button.
Why can’t I hear the alarm?
Check the volume slider and your device volume, and press “Test sound”. On an iPhone, the silent switch can mute sounds from websites. Choosing “No sound” turns the alarm off on purpose.
Is the timer free, and is anything saved?
It’s completely free with no sign-up. Your settings stay on this page only – nothing is uploaded or stored. Use “Copy link” if you want to reuse a timer later.
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