Pomodoro Timer (25/5/15 with audio cue)
Click start to begin a 25-minute focus session. After it ends, a 5-minute break (or 15 after every 4th focus) starts. Tracks completed sessions and total focus minutes.
How it works
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique breaks work into 25-minute focused intervals (called 'Pomodoros' — Italian for 'tomato', after the kitchen timer he used) separated by 5-minute breaks. Every 4 Pomodoros, a longer 15-minute break helps restore deeper focus.
The method works by leveraging two cognitive truths: human attention naturally degrades after about 30 minutes, and frequent short breaks consolidate learning and reduce mental fatigue. Knowing 'I only need to focus for 25 minutes' also helps overcome procrastination on big tasks.
How this timer works
Click 'Start' to begin a 25-minute focus session. The countdown ticks down second-by-second. When it reaches 0, an audio chime plays and the timer automatically switches to a 5-minute break. After 4 completed focus sessions, the next break extends to 15 minutes.
Pause and Reset buttons let you control the flow without losing your session count. Switching phases manually (the three buttons at top) resets the timer for that phase to its full duration.
Tips for getting the most out of Pomodoros
Pick one task per Pomodoro. If a task is bigger, split it; if smaller, combine. The discipline of 'one task, 25 minutes' is the core of the technique.
During breaks, actually break. Stand up, walk, stretch, look out a window. Don't check email or scroll feeds — those reset the focus state without restoring energy.
Track interruptions on a piece of paper next to you. After the Pomodoro, decide which were actually urgent. Most aren't.
Frequently asked questions
›Why 25 minutes specifically?
It's the original empirical figure from Cirillo's experiments — long enough to make real progress, short enough that focus stays sharp. Some people prefer 50/10 or other variations.
›What happens to the timer if I switch tabs?
Browsers throttle setInterval in background tabs. The countdown will catch up correctly when you return — math is from the wall clock, not accumulated ticks.
›Will the audio chime work?
Yes, in most browsers after one user interaction (clicking Start). Some browsers block audio until that gesture.
›Why does the long break come every 4 cycles?
Cirillo's research found that 4 Pomodoros is roughly the limit before deeper fatigue sets in. The 15-minute break consolidates learning and resets focus capacity.
›Can I customize the durations?
Not yet. The classic 25/5/15 is the most-studied configuration. We may add custom durations in a future update.
›Should I use this for creative work?
Yes for ideation and writing. For deep work in 'flow' states, longer blocks (50-90 minutes) may be better. The Pomodoro technique is best for tasks where 25-min chunks help overcome resistance.
›What if I finish a task mid-Pomodoro?
Use the remaining time for a related sub-task or review what you completed. The technique discourages checking email or starting unrelated work mid-cycle.
›Is the data sent anywhere?
No. The timer runs entirely in your browser.
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