Pomodoro Timer

How to use the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method built on a simple idea: work with time, not against it. Instead of an open-ended study session that drifts, you work in short, fully-committed sprints separated by real rest.

1. Pick one task — write it in the box above the timer so the session has a name.
2. Work for 25 minutes on that task alone. No phone, no tab-switching. If a distraction pops up, jot it down and keep going.
3. Take a 5-minute break when the timer chimes. Stand up, stretch, look away from the screen.
4. Repeat. After four focus sprints, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes — the timer handles the counting.

Why 25 / 5?

Twenty-five minutes is long enough to make real progress and short enough that starting feels easy. The 5-minute break prevents the mental fatigue that builds in marathon sessions — and the looming long break after four rounds gives your brain something to look forward to. If 25 feels wrong for your work, change it: writers often prefer 50/10, and that's fine. The technique is the rhythm, not the exact numbers.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

A time-management method where you alternate focused work sprints (traditionally 25 minutes) with short breaks (5 minutes), taking a longer break after every four sprints. It was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s and named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used.

How long should a pomodoro be?

The classic is 25 minutes of focus and 5 minutes of rest, with a 15–30 minute break after four rounds. Adjust the numbers above to fit your work — the important part is keeping the work/rest rhythm, not the exact minutes.

How many pomodoros before a long break?

Four is the standard, and it's this timer's default. After four focus sprints you've earned a 15-minute break. Change "long break every" above if you prefer a different cycle.

What should I do during pomodoro breaks?

Step away from the work: stand, stretch, get water, look out a window. Avoid starting anything absorbing (social feeds, videos) — a break that swallows your momentum isn't a break, it's a detour.

What if I get interrupted mid-pomodoro?

The strict rule says the pomodoro is void — note the interruption and start a fresh sprint. In practice, pausing the timer for a genuine interruption and resuming is fine; just don't let "pause" become a habit.

Does the Pomodoro Technique actually work?

For most people it beats unstructured sessions at starting hard tasks and sustaining attention. The mechanism isn't magic: timeboxing makes starting easy, breaks prevent fatigue, and counting sprints makes progress visible. If your work needs long uninterrupted flow (deep coding, long-form writing), longer sprints like 50/10 often fit better.

Can I change the timer lengths?

Yes — set any focus, short break, and long break length from 1 to 180 minutes, and choose how many sprints come before a long break. Changes apply immediately.

Will the timer keep counting if I switch tabs?

Yes. The countdown is anchored to the clock, not to the page staying visible, and the tab title shows the remaining time. Enable notifications for a ping when each phase ends.

Is my data sent anywhere?

No. Your settings, current task, and daily totals are stored in your browser's local storage. Nothing is uploaded or tracked.

How is this different from a regular countdown timer?

A plain timer counts down once. This one runs the whole cycle for you — focus, short break, long break — tracks how many sprints you've finished today, and keeps your rhythm tuned the way you like it.