Online Timer
Set a focus timer to stay on track. Time boxing is one of the simplest productivity techniques: commit to a fixed block of time, work with full attention, then stop. Whether you need a quick 5-minute check-in or a deep 25-minute focus session, pick a preset or enter your own duration.
Why it works
Time boxing forces a commitment: you decide how long to spend before you start, not while you are in the middle of the task. This removes the draining "should I keep going?" loop and replaces it with a clear boundary. Research on attention and willpower consistently shows that fixed intervals with defined endpoints improve both focus and satisfaction.
Start with a duration that feels easy. Five minutes is a perfectly valid timer. The goal is consistency, not endurance.
Choosing a duration
Not every task needs the same interval. Use this as a starting point, then adjust for your own rhythm.
Common uses
- Focus work. Set a 25-minute block, close distractions, and commit to a single task. The boundary is the point.
- Cooking and kitchen tasks. Know exactly when to flip, check the oven, or pull something off heat without watching a clock.
- Exercise and rest intervals. Time sets, rest periods, or a full workout block with a clear audible end signal.
- Meeting timekeeping. Keep agenda items on track by running a visible timer that everyone in the room can see.
- Limiting low-value activities. Give yourself a deliberate 10-minute window for social media, news, or email -- then stop when it rings.
FAQ
Does the timer work when the browser tab is in the background?
Yes. The timer calculates time using an absolute end timestamp rather than counting ticks, so it stays accurate even when the tab is hidden, throttled, or your device sleeps briefly. The bell sounds when the tab comes back into focus if it fired while hidden.
Can I set more than one timer at a time?
Yes. The main app lets you run multiple named timers at once, alongside alarms and countdowns, all tracked in a single view.
What is time boxing and how is it different from the Pomodoro Technique?
Time boxing means allocating a fixed block of time to any task and stopping when it ends, regardless of whether you are finished. The Pomodoro Technique is a specific form of time boxing: 25-minute intervals followed by structured breaks, cycling four times before a longer rest.
Will I get a notification when the timer finishes?
The timer plays an audible bell when it ends. If you grant browser notification permission, you will also receive a system notification so you do not miss it when the tab is not visible.
How do I set a timer for longer than 60 minutes?
Type any number of minutes into the custom input field and press Set or hit Enter. There is no maximum -- a 90-minute or 120-minute block works the same way.