What Is a Pomodoro Timer?
A Pomodoro timer splits your work into 25 minute focus blocks called pomodoros, each followed by a 5 minute break. After four pomodoros you take a longer 15–30 minute break. The method was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s and is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used. Short, fixed blocks make it easy to start and hard to drift.
Studying
Short blocks keep active recall sharp and make long revision days bearable.
Work and email
Batch shallow tasks into one pomodoro so they don't eat your whole day.
Chores and admin
"Just one pomodoro" is the easiest way to start a task you've been avoiding.
ADHD and procrastination
A visible countdown adds gentle urgency. Try 15/5 if 25 feels too long.
Pomodoro Schedule
| Round | Work | Then |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Focus 25 min | Short break 5 min |
| 2 | Focus 25 min | Short break 5 min |
| 3 | Focus 25 min | Short break 5 min |
| 4 | Focus 25 min | Long break 15–30 min |
One full cycle takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. New to the method? Read what the Pomodoro Technique is or compare it in Pomodoro vs Flowtime.
How to Use This Timer
- Pick one task and press Start. The countdown shows in your browser tab.
- Work only on that task until the alarm rings.
- Press Start break and rest for 5 minutes, away from your screen.
- After four pomodoros, take a longer 15–30 minute break.
💡 Protect the pomodoro
If a thought or request pops up mid-session, write it down and get back to work. Deal with it in the break. If you get pulled away for real, reset the timer: a pomodoro only counts when it's 25 uninterrupted minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pomodoro timer?
A timer for the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5 minute break, with a longer 15–30 minute break after every four rounds.
Why is a pomodoro 25 minutes?
Francesco Cirillo, who created the technique, found 25 minutes long enough to make real progress but short enough to stay fully focused. You can use 15 or 50 minutes if they suit you better.
How many pomodoros should I do a day?
Most people manage 6 to 12 focused pomodoros a day (about 2.5 to 5 hours of deep work). Start with 4 and build up.
Pomodoro or Flowtime: which is better?
Pomodoro is better when starting is the hard part; Flowtime (a count-up timer) is better for deep work you don't want interrupted. Many people use Pomodoro to get going and switch to Flowtime once they're in flow.
Is this Pomodoro timer free?
Yes. It's free, needs no signup, has no ads in the timer and works offline after your first visit.
Related Timers
Need a different length? See all free online timers.