How to use the online timer
- Enter minutes and seconds, or press the 1, 3, 5 or 10 minute buttons.
- Press Start to begin the countdown. You can pause and resume at any time.
- When time is up an alarm sounds and the screen flashes. If you hear nothing, check the tab's mute state and your device volume.
Reset returns to the time you originally set. While the timer runs, the remaining time also shows in the tab title, so you can check it while working in another tab.
How the timer works
This timer does not subtract one every second. Instead it fixes an end time by adding the set duration to the start time and keeps calculating the difference from the current time. Even if the browser slows down repeated updates in a background tab, the time does not drift, so it stays accurate even over long periods. The alarm is generated by your browser's Web Audio feature with no external file, and the values you enter are processed only on your device and never sent to a server.
Ways to use it
- Pomodoro studying: repeat 25 minutes of focus and a 5 minute break to stay concentrated.
- Cooking: use it when you need exact timing, such as 3 minutes for instant noodles or 7 to 10 minutes for boiled eggs.
- Exercise: it suits timing exercises you hold for a set time, such as planks or stretches.
- Presentations and meetings: setting a speaking time keeps things on schedule.
- Eye rest: it also works for the 20-20-20 rule of looking at something far away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Tips for accurate use
To change the time, press Reset first and then enter the new value. Pressing a preset button changes the input to that time and returns the timer to its initial state. To test the alarm, run a one-second timer once and check the volume. If you are using earphones, remember that the alarm plays only through them.
FAQ
Does the alarm sound if the screen is off?
Even with the browser open, if the screen locks the alarm may be late or may not sound, depending on the device. For important events, use your device's built-in alarm as well.
What is the maximum time I can set?
You can enter up to 999 minutes (about 16 hours).
Can I use it on mobile?
Yes. No installation is needed, and it works the same way in a smartphone browser.