What is a Pomodoro timer?
A Pomodoro timer splits study or work into focused sessions separated by short breaks. The technique, named after a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, uses 25 minutes of focus and a 5-minute break, with a longer break after four sessions.
This timer runs the whole cycle for you: focus, short break, focus, and a long break after every fourth session. It plays a chime when each phase ends, can show a desktop notification, and keeps count of your sessions and focused minutes. You can change every length and choose whether the next phase starts automatically.
How to use the Pomodoro Timer
1.Press Start
A 25-minute focus session begins. The time left also shows in the browser tab.
2.Take the break
When the chime plays, take the 5-minute break, or 15 minutes after every fourth session.
3.Adjust to suit you
Change the lengths, start phases automatically, or turn on notifications. The link saves your settings.
Example: one full round
Four sessions with the default 25/5/15 settings:
- Focus
- 4 × 25 = 100 minutes
- Short breaks
- 3 × 5 = 15 minutes
- Long break
- 15 minutes
- One full round
- 130 minutes
A full round takes 2 hours 10 minutes and gives 100 minutes of focused study; two rounds make a solid evening.
Why the Pomodoro method works
A fixed, short block makes it easier to start and to resist checking your phone, because a break is never far away. Breaks stop tiredness from building up over a long evening, and counting sessions turns study time into something you can measure and plan with.
The classic lengths are 25 and 5 minutes. Many students prefer 50 and 10 for problem-solving subjects where getting into the flow takes longer, and shorter sessions for memorising.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do during a break?
Stand up, drink water, look away from screens. Avoid starting something hard to stop, like a video or a chat.
Does the timer work in a background tab?
Yes. It's based on the clock, so it stays accurate even when the browser slows background tabs, and the chime still plays.
Why didn't I get a notification?
Notifications need your permission. Tick the option and allow them when your browser asks.
Is my session count saved?
Only while the tab is open. The link remembers your timer lengths, not your progress.
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