Timers

Pomodoro Timer

By 5 min read Evidence based

Work in focused sprints. The timer runs 25 minutes of focus, a 5 minute break, and a longer break after every fourth session. You can change every length.

Pomodoro timer

Focus in short sprints with regular breaks. The classic setting is 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest.

Focus
25:00
Sessions finished today: 0
Advertisements
On this page
  1. What the Pomodoro technique is
  2. How to get more from each session
  3. Focus needs sleep

What the Pomodoro technique is

Francesco Cirillo created the technique in the late 1980s. You choose one task, work for 25 minutes without interruption, then take a 5 minute break. After four sessions you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. The short deadline makes it easier to start and the breaks keep your attention fresh.

How to get more from each session

  • Write down one task before you press Start.
  • Put your phone out of reach and silence notifications.
  • Stand up and move on breaks. Do not scroll on your phone.
  • If you finish early, review your work until the beep.
  • Students who prefer longer focus can try 50 minutes of work and 10 minutes of rest.

Focus needs sleep

Attention, memory and mood all drop after a short night. If you keep running out of focus, check how much you sleep with the sleep hours calculator. Stop screens an hour before bed and use the bedtime calculator to protect your morning.

Advertisements

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Pomodoro?

A standard Pomodoro is 25 minutes of focus followed by a 5 minute break. You can change both lengths in this timer.

How many Pomodoros a day is good?

Most people manage 6 to 10 focused sessions a day. Quality matters more than the count.

What happens after four sessions?

The timer starts a long break, 15 minutes by default, so your mind can recover.

Does the timer start the next session by itself?

Yes. When a session or break ends, the next one starts automatically. Press Pause to stop.

Medical references: for evidence based health information see CDC Sleep and Sleep Disorders, NIH NHLBI on Sleep Deprivation, American Academy of Sleep Medicine Sleep Education and MedlinePlus. This page is general information, not medical advice.