About the Online Timer
This online timer counts down from any time you set and plays an alarm when it reaches zero. Common times like 1, 5 or 10 minutes start with a single tap under Quick start; for anything else, type hours, minutes and seconds. The time left also shows in the browser tab title, so you can keep an eye on it while working in another tab.
The timer works from the exact end time rather than counting seconds one by one, so it doesnโt drift when the tab is in the background or your phone screen turns off for a moment. Your last duration is remembered on this device.
How to use
- Tap a button under Quick start (1, 3, 5 minutes โฆ) to start counting down right away.
- For a different time, enter hours, minutes and seconds under Set your own and press Start.
- Use Pause and Resume at any time. Reset goes back to the time you set.
- An alarm sounds when time is up. Turn on Keep ringing until I stop it if you might not hear a short beep.
- Press Full screen to show huge digits that can be read from across the room in class, meetings or workouts.
Handy timer lengths
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Brushing your teeth | 2 minutes |
| Steeping black tea | 3โ5 minutes |
| Soft-boiled egg (into boiling water) | 6โ7 minutes |
| Pasta (check the package) | 8โ12 minutes |
| Hard-boiled egg | 10โ12 minutes |
| Short break or stretching | 5โ10 minutes |
| Power nap | 20 minutes |
| Focus session (one Pomodoro) | 25 minutes |
To alternate work and breaks automatically, use a Pomodoro timer; for repeating workout sets, an interval timer is easier.
If the alarm doesnโt sound
- On a phone in silent or vibrate mode, browser sounds may be muted. Try Test sound before you start.
- Browsers block audio until you have tapped the page once. After reloading, tap anywhere on the page.
- If the phone locks completely or the browser app is closed, the sound may not play. For anything important, also set your deviceโs built-in alarm.
- The timer state is saved, so if you close the tab and reopen it, the countdown carries on.
FAQ
Does it stay accurate in another tab or with the screen off?
Yes. The time left is calculated from the end time instead of counting each second, so no error builds up while the tab is in the background. The alarm sound is also scheduled in advance for the exact end time.
What is the longest time I can set?
Up to 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds. Times over one hour are shown as h:mm:ss.
I noticed the timer late. Can I see how long ago it finished?
Yes. After it ends, the line under the digits shows how long ago the time ran out.
Can I use the keyboard?
On a computer, press Space to start or pause, R to reset and F to toggle full screen.