Pomodoro Counter

Run a simple pomodoro timer with configurable focus and break durations.

25:00
Mode: Focus

How to Use This Pomodoro Counter

Set your focus and break lengths in minutes (the classic pomodoro technique uses 25 minutes of focus and 5 minutes of break), then click Start. The timer counts down and automatically switches between Focus and Break mode when it hits zero. Switch Mode jumps to the other mode manually, and Stop pauses the countdown without resetting it.

Why the Technique Works

Working in short, timed bursts with a clear stopping point makes it easier to start a task and easier to actually take the breaks that prevent burnout, instead of working until you're exhausted or getting distracted mid-task. After every few focus cycles, consider taking a longer break than usual — the classic technique suggests a 15–30 minute break after four rounds.

25/5 Isn't a Universal Rule

The default 25-minute focus block was designed to be short enough to resist distraction, but plenty of tasks outgrow it. Deep, hard-to-interrupt work like writing, coding, or design often runs better on a longer cycle — 50 minutes of focus with a 10-minute break is a common variant, since 25 minutes barely gives you time to get into flow before the timer cuts in. Going the other direction, a shorter 15/5 cycle can help when you're first building the habit, or when you're working somewhere genuinely distracting and a 25-minute stretch of focus isn't realistic yet. Treat the numbers on this page as a starting point to tune, not a fixed rule.

FAQ

Does the timer keep running if I switch browser tabs?

Yes, the countdown keeps running in the background as long as this browser tab stays open, even if it's not the active tab.

Can I change the focus and break lengths mid-session?

Yes, but the new value only takes effect the next time that mode starts (either automatically or via Switch Mode) — it won't change a countdown already in progress.

Does it play a sound when time is up?

No, it switches mode silently and updates the on-screen label — keep an eye on the timer or check back periodically.

Do I have to stick with 25 minutes of focus and 5 minutes of break?

No — 25/5 is the classic default, but it's not the right fit for every task. Deep, hard-to-interrupt work like writing or coding often suits a longer cycle, such as 50 minutes of focus and 10 of break, while 15/5 can work better for building the habit initially or for tasks in a high-distraction environment. Adjust the two number fields to whatever cycle actually keeps you working.