TOOLS
Countdown Timer
A full-screen countdown timer with presets and sound alert.
FOCUS TIMER
Set a countdown
Countdown timer guide
A countdown timer for the moments that need one: cooking, workouts, pomodoro focus sessions, presentations, or taking a break. Set any time from seconds to hours, pick a preset, and let the big display count down — with an optional alert when time is up.
The timer runs entirely in your browser, works offline, and never sends anything anywhere.
The presets and what they are for
- 1 / 3 / 5 minutes — quick breaks, tea, and short sprints.
- 10 minutes — standard meeting countdown or a focused work block.
- 15 minutes — the classic break size between deep-work sessions.
- 25 minutes — the pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focus, then a 5-minute break.
Tip: For pomodoro: run 25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of rest, and repeat. The 25-minute preset is right there.
The alert sound
When the timer hits zero, a short beep plays — if your browser allows audio. Browsers require a user gesture before audio can play, so make sure you have interacted with the page (clicked Start) at least once; after that the alert works reliably.
If no sound plays, it is usually autoplay policy, not a bug — and the big red zero display is visible regardless.
Time input formats
The input accepts MM:SS or HH:MM:SS: “5:00” means 5 minutes, “1:30:00” means 90 minutes, and plain numbers like “90” are read as 1 minute 30 seconds. Press Enter or the reset button to apply.
This flexibility is deliberate: typing “5:00” is natural for minutes, while “1:30:00” works for longer sessions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set a timer for 5 minutes?
Click the “5 min” preset, or type 5:00 in the input and press Enter.
Why did the sound not play?
Browsers block audio until you interact with the page. Click Start once (or anywhere on the page), and the alert will work on future runs. Sound may also be muted — toggle the speaker button.
What is the pomodoro technique?
Work in 25-minute focused blocks with 5-minute breaks. The 25-minute preset is built in for exactly this.
Does the timer keep running in the background?
Yes — it counts down from the clock, so it stays accurate even if the tab is throttled in the background. For long-running timers, consider keeping the tab visible.
Is the countdown timer free?
Yes — it runs entirely in your browser and requires no account.
Privacy note: countdown timing and alert sounds happen in your browser. No timer data is submitted to NAB Tools.