Free Countdown Timer
Set a countdown timer with presets or custom time. Includes alarm sound, progress bar and stopwatch mode.
How to Use the Countdown Timer
Click a preset button to set a common duration (1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes), or enter a custom time using the hours, minutes, and seconds fields. Press Start to begin. The timer displays remaining time, a progress bar, and plays an alarm when it reaches zero. Switch to Stopwatch mode to count up with lap timing. The timer uses system timestamps for accuracy even when the tab is in the background.
Timer Features
- 7 quick presets: 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60-minute timers with a single click
- Custom time: Enter any duration up to 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds
- Progress bar: Visual indicator of time remaining
- Alarm sound: Audio alert when the timer reaches zero
- Background accurate: Uses timestamps, not intervals — stays accurate even in background tabs
- Stopwatch: Count-up timer with lap recording
- Pause and resume: Pause the timer at any point without losing your place
Popular Timer Uses
The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. Work for 25 minutes (one "pomodoro"), then take a 5-minute break. After four pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break. This cycle prevents burnout, maintains focus, and creates urgency. Studies show it improves productivity by 25-40% for knowledge workers. Use the custom timer set to 25:00 for work sessions and 5:00 for breaks.
Timer for Exercise and Fitness
Interval training (HIIT) relies on precise timing. Common intervals include 30 seconds work / 30 seconds rest, 40/20, and Tabata (20 seconds work / 10 seconds rest for 8 rounds). The stopwatch mode with lap function helps track interval consistency. Boxing rounds are typically 3 minutes with 1-minute rest. Planks and wall sits use the timer directly.
Cooking Timer Guide
- Soft-boiled egg: 6-7 minutes from boiling
- Hard-boiled egg: 10-12 minutes from boiling
- Pasta (al dente): 8-10 minutes typically
- Rice: 18-20 minutes on low after boiling
- Toast: 2-3 minutes
- Tea steeping: Green 2-3 min, black 3-5 min, herbal 5-7 min
Exam and Study Timers
Practising under timed conditions improves exam performance. Set the timer to match your exam duration and work through practice papers. The time pressure during practice reduces anxiety during the real exam — a technique called "stress inoculation." Most standardised tests allow 30-60 minutes per section.
Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Click a preset (1-60 min) or enter custom hours, minutes, seconds, then press Start.
Yes. It uses timestamps for accuracy, so switching tabs or minimising won't affect the countdown.
Yes. An alarm sound plays and the display flashes red. Make sure your device volume is on.
Yes. Switch to the Stopwatch tab to count up with lap timing.
Work 25 minutes, break 5 minutes. After 4 cycles, take a 15-30 minute break. Set the timer to 25:00.
Up to 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds using the custom time fields.
Part of our complete guide:
