How to use Pomodoro Timer
To start a Pomodoro session, click Start on the timer. The default work interval is 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute short break. During the work interval, a countdown appears both on the page and in the browser tab title — so you can see the remaining time even when the tab is in the background. When the 25-minute work block ends, the timer sounds an alert and automatically switches to the break countdown. Click Start again after the break to begin the next Pomodoro.
You can customize the work interval length, short break length, and long break length (taken after every 4 Pomodoros) in the Settings panel. If you need to pause — for an unexpected interruption — click Pause to freeze the timer and resume it when you're ready. Click Reset to discard the current interval and return to the start. The session counter tracks how many Pomodoros you've completed in the current sitting.
Why use our Pomodoro Timer?
- Tab title countdown — see remaining time without switching back to the tab
- Customizable work and break durations for personal workflow preferences
- Long break scheduling after every 4 Pomodoros, following the classic technique
- Session counter to track your daily Pomodoro count
- Audio alert when an interval ends so you don't have to watch the timer
- Tab title shows countdown so you can stay focused without switching back to this tab
Frequently Asked Questions
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 technique breaks work into 25-minute focused intervals (Pomodoros) separated by short 5-minute breaks. After four Pomodoros, you take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. The structure trains you to work with time rather than against it, reduces the impact of interruptions, and builds a sustainable work rhythm.
Why 25 minutes? Can I change the work interval?
25 minutes was Cirillo's original choice based on his own experimentation, but the technique is flexible. Research on focused work suggests that concentration quality degrades after 20–45 minutes depending on the individual and the task complexity. The Settings panel lets you customize the work interval from 5 to 60 minutes. Many developers prefer 45 or 50 minutes for deep work (coding, writing) with 10–15 minute breaks. Experiment to find the interval that matches your natural concentration rhythm.
Why does the tab title show the countdown?
During a work interval, you should minimize distractions — including switching back to the timer tab to check how much time remains. The browser tab title countdown lets you see the remaining time at a glance in the tab bar, without interrupting your focus on whatever you're actually working on. This is one of the key UX features that makes a browser-based Pomodoro timer more useful than a physical kitchen timer.
What should I do during the break?
The 5-minute break is designed to give your brain a rest from focused cognition. Effective break activities include: standing up and stretching, looking at something 20 feet away to rest your eyes (the 20-20-20 rule), getting a glass of water, doing a few deep breaths, or taking a short walk. Avoid activities that require focused attention (reading, checking email, scrolling social media) — these don't allow the cognitive rest the break is intended to provide. The long break after 4 Pomodoros is a good time for a snack, a proper walk, or a genuine mental refresh.