Does it still work accurately if I switch to another tab?

Yes. The timer recalculates the real elapsed time since it started every time it checks, so even if the browser slows down the timer in a background tab, it snaps back to the correct point the moment you return.

Do I need to enable browser notifications?

No. Even without allowing notifications, you'll still see phase changes on screen and hear a sound. Notifications are an optional extra that help when you're looking at a different tab.

Can I customize the focus and break lengths?

Yes. You can set the focus time, short break, long break, and the number of rounds before a long break exactly how you like.

How many pomodoros should I aim for?

There's no fixed answer, but a common pattern is taking a long break after every 4 focus pomodoros. Use this tool's "rounds before long break" setting to build whatever rhythm works for you.

I allowed browser notifications, but they're not showing up.

Check that this site's notifications aren't blocked in your browser or OS notification settings. You can re-check notification permissions from the lock (or info) icon on the left side of your browser's address bar.

What happens if my computer goes to sleep mid-pomodoro?

If the device fully sleeps, timer calculation can pause. It recalculates from real elapsed time once it wakes up, but for long absences we'd recommend pausing the timer manually.

Pomodoro Timer - Auto-Repeating Focus & Break Timer

What is a Pomodoro Timer?

The Pomodoro Timer is named after the Pomodoro Technique (Italian for "tomato"), a time-management method that alternates focused work sessions (25 minutes by default) with short breaks (5 minutes by default), followed by a longer break (15 minutes by default) after a set number of rounds. This tool automatically calculates and cycles through the focus and break phases for you, and because it recomputes the actual elapsed time whenever you check back, the timing stays accurate even if you switch to another browser tab in the meantime. Unlike most free Pomodoro apps that lock the timing to 25/5/15 minutes or require payment to change it, this tool lets you freely set any rhythm you want, down to the hour, minute, and second, at no cost.

How to use it

Enter your focus time, short break time, and long break time as precisely as you like in hours, minutes, and seconds, set how many rounds to repeat before a long break, then press "Start" to begin the first focus session immediately. A sound plays every time the phase changes, and if you allow browser notifications you'll also get notified even while looking at a different tab. The completed pomodoro count goes up by one every time a focus session finishes.

When it comes in handy

Staying focused during long study or work sessions
Letting the timer decide when to take a break instead of guessing
Tracking how many pomodoros you've completed today for a sense of progress
Getting notified of phase changes even while working in another tab

Why did 25/5 become the standard?

The Pomodoro Technique's default of 25 minutes of focus and 5 minutes of rest came from founder Francesco Cirillo's own trial and error using a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato (pomodoro in Italian) — it's not a scientifically "optimal" number so much as a practical balance: short enough to start without dread, long enough to actually get into a task. In practice, the right rhythm varies by person and task type, and plenty of people use longer cycles like 50 minutes focus / 10 minutes rest. This tool doesn't lock you into the default — you can set any rhythm you want down to the hour, minute, and second.

Tips for using the Pomodoro Technique well

The real key is turning off notifications and avoiding distractions (like checking messages) during focus time — that principle matters more than the timer itself
During breaks, actually step away from the screen — stretch, get water, something that counts as genuine rest
On a low-focus day, don't force a longer session — starting with a short pomodoro (like 15 minutes) to build momentum works better
Watching your completed pomodoro count add up gives you a concrete sense of how much focused work you actually did today

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it still work accurately if I switch to another tab?: Yes. The timer recalculates the real elapsed time since it started every time it checks, so even if the browser slows down the timer in a background tab, it snaps back to the correct point the moment you return.
Do I need to enable browser notifications?: No. Even without allowing notifications, you'll still see phase changes on screen and hear a sound. Notifications are an optional extra that help when you're looking at a different tab.
Can I customize the focus and break lengths?: Yes. You can set the focus time, short break, long break, and the number of rounds before a long break exactly how you like.
How many pomodoros should I aim for?: There's no fixed answer, but a common pattern is taking a long break after every 4 focus pomodoros. Use this tool's "rounds before long break" setting to build whatever rhythm works for you.
I allowed browser notifications, but they're not showing up.: Check that this site's notifications aren't blocked in your browser or OS notification settings. You can re-check notification permissions from the lock (or info) icon on the left side of your browser's address bar.
What happens if my computer goes to sleep mid-pomodoro?: If the device fully sleeps, timer calculation can pause. It recalculates from real elapsed time once it wakes up, but for long absences we'd recommend pausing the timer manually.