How to use the Pomodoro Timer
- Write down the one task you will work on, then press Start (or the Space bar) to begin a 25-minute focus session.
- Work only on that task until the chime. If you get distracted by another idea, jot it down and carry on.
- Take the break that starts automatically: a short one after most sessions and a long one after every fourth.
- Repeat. Each finished focus session is added to today’s log, and you can change session lengths in Timer settings.
Features
- Focus, short break and long break phases with automatic cycling
- Custom lengths and long-break interval
- Optional auto-start for breaks and focus sessions
- Gentle chime and the countdown in the tab title
- Task note saved with each completed session
- Today’s session count and focused minutes, stored on your device
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used as a student (pomodoro is Italian for tomato). The idea is simple: work on a single task for a fixed block of time, then take a short break. Short, timed sessions make large tasks feel manageable, reduce the urge to multitask, and build in regular rest so your focus lasts all day.
The classic cycle
- Choose one task.
- Work on it for 25 minutes without switching to anything else.
- Take a 5-minute break.
- After four focus sessions, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
Four focus sessions with their breaks take about two hours and include 100 minutes of concentrated work. This timer follows the cycle automatically: the dots show where you are in the current set, and the next phase starts on its own if you leave auto-start on.
Choosing your session lengths
| Style | Focus | Short break | Long break | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 25 min | 5 min | 15–30 min | Most work and study |
| Short sprints | 15 min | 3 min | 15 min | Getting started, low energy days |
| Deep work | 50 min | 10 min | 30 min | Writing, coding, design |
| Long blocks | 90 min | 20 min | 30 min | Complex problems with few interruptions |
There is no single right length. If you often finish a session mid-thought, lengthen it; if your attention fades before the chime, shorten it. Adjust in Timer settings and the change applies to the next session.
Making it work
- Protect the session. Silence notifications and close unrelated tabs before you start.
- Write distractions down. When something pops into your head, note it and get back to the task; deal with it during a break.
- Really rest during breaks. Stand up, stretch, look away from the screen or get water. Checking email is not a break.
- Use the log to plan. Counting completed sessions is a realistic way to estimate how long similar work takes next time.
- If you are interrupted, pause or reset rather than counting a broken session. Skipped sessions are not added to your log.
Your settings, current timer and today’s log are stored only in this browser. The timer counts toward a fixed end time, so it stays accurate in a background tab. For a one-off countdown, use the Countdown Timer; to jot down ideas between sessions, keep the Online Notepad open in another tab.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Pomodoro?
Traditionally 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer 15 to 30 minute break after four sessions. You can change all of these in Timer settings.
Does the timer keep running in another tab?
Yes. It counts down to a fixed end time, so it stays accurate when the tab is in the background. The chime plays when a session ends as long as the tab is open.
What happens if I skip a session?
Skipping moves straight to the next phase. A skipped focus session is not counted in your daily log or toward the long break.
Where is my session history stored?
In your browser’s local storage on this device. Nothing is uploaded. The log keeps the last two weeks and you can clear today at any time.