- Work in focused sprints (classically 25 minutes), then take a 5-minute break.
- After 4 focus sessions, take a longer 15–30 minute break.
- This timer runs in your browser, keeps accurate time in background tabs, and needs no account.
How to use the Pomodoro timer
- Pick one task — a single, concrete thing you can make progress on.
- Press Start and work until the timer rings. If a distraction pops into your head, jot it down and return to the task.
- Take the short break away from the screen if you can.
- Every 4th session, the timer gives you a long break automatically.
Why 25 minutes?
The 25-minute sprint is short enough that starting feels easy — which is the whole battle when you're procrastinating — and long enough to make real progress. It's a default, not a law: many deep-work tasks feel better at 50/10. Use the custom fields above to find the rhythm that fits your work, and read our full guide to the Pomodoro Technique for when to break the rules.
Tips that make Pomodoro actually stick
- Protect the break. The rhythm collapses when you skip breaks; fatigue catches up by session three.
- Count sessions, not hours. "Four focus sessions" is a better daily goal than "work more" — see tracking daily wins.
- Pair it with a short daily plan. A timer tells you how to work; a plan tells you what to work on. Our guide to staying focused covers both halves.
Want the timer connected to your tasks, habits, and daily plan? Meet Mo, the AI coach in Productivity Genie.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Pomodoro Technique work?
You work in focused sprints — classically 25 minutes — then take a 5-minute break. After four focus sessions you take a longer break of 15–30 minutes.
Is this timer really free?
Yes. No sign-up, no ads, no paywall. It's a free tool from the team behind Productivity Genie.
Can I change the durations?
Yes — use the presets or set any focus/break length from 1 to 120 minutes.
Does it keep running in a background tab?
Yes. The countdown uses real clock time, so it stays accurate, and the tab title shows time remaining.