How it works
Work on one task for a fixed block of time, usually 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four blocks, take a longer break. That is the whole Pomodoro technique: short, protected stretches of focus with a built-in reason to stop.
What this timer adds: one minute of recall in every break
The Pomodoro technique is a focus tool, not a memory technique. It helps you start and keep going, but it says nothing about how to study. The breaks are the easiest place to fix that. Before you reach for your phone, spend one minute recalling what the last block covered, without looking. That is retrieval practice, and it does more for remembering the material than reading it again.
Each break on this timer shows a short prompt for that minute, for example: "Without looking: what were the three most important points of the last block?"
Which setting to pick
- Classic 25/5: good for getting started on something you have been avoiding, and for tired afternoons.
- 50/10: better for problem sets, writing and anything that takes a while to get into.
- 15/3: for very short attention spans on bad days. Short blocks beat no blocks.
- 45/15: for going through lecture notes, with a longer break to quiz yourself on them.
Whatever you pick, plan what to review when as well. The exam study planner spreads your topics over the days before the exam, and the spaced repetition calculator works out the review dates.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Pomodoro?
The classic Pomodoro technique uses 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes after four rounds. The timer lets you change all of these.
Is 25 minutes the best length for studying?
Not necessarily. 25 minutes is a convention, not a research result. Many students work better with 45 or 50 minutes of focus and a 10-minute break. Pick a length you can actually stay focused for and keep it for a week before changing it.
What should I do in the break?
Get up and move, and spend one minute recalling what you just studied without looking at your notes. The timer shows a short recall prompt in every break for exactly this reason.
Does the timer work in the background?
Yes. It keeps time from the clock rather than counting seconds, so it stays accurate when the tab is in the background, and it plays a short sound when a phase ends. Keep the tab open.
Can I share my settings?
Yes. Your lengths are stored in the page address. Copy the link to share, for example, a 45/10 setup with your study group or class.
