Online timer
Set any countdown and get an alarm when it ends.
Space to start or pause, R to reset, F for fullscreen.
- Set any hours, minutes, seconds
- Alarm repeats until dismissed
- Keeps time even if the tab is idle
How to use the online timer
- Set the hours, minutes and seconds.
- Click Start, or press the space bar.
- The alarm sounds when the time is up. Click Dismiss to stop it.
How long for common tasks
| Task | Typical length |
|---|---|
| Steeping black tea | 3 to 5 minutes |
| A short work sprint | 15 to 30 minutes |
| A power nap | 20 minutes |
| Roasting or baking a dish | 30 to 60 minutes |
| A timed test section | 10 to 60 minutes |
| A workout circuit | 20 to 45 minutes |
Type any hours, minutes and seconds to match your own task instead of picking from a fixed list.
Staying accurate and getting noticed
The countdown is calculated from the clock rather than by counting down step by step, so switching tabs, minimizing the window or a slow computer does not throw off the final time.
Turn on Notify me when done for a system notification that appears even if you are working in a different window, and this page also requests a screen wake lock on devices that support it, so the countdown keeps running instead of pausing behind a locked screen.
Setting it up for different situations
- Use Fullscreen to turn this into a big, clear countdown for a shared screen, classroom or presentation.
- Set hours, minutes and seconds together for anything longer than an hour, like a study block or a long bake.
- Leave the tab open on a second monitor or a phone propped up nearby so the alarm is easy to hear when it goes off.
Online timer FAQ
Does the timer stay accurate in a background tab?
Yes. It calculates the time remaining from the clock rather than counting down step by step, so switching tabs or briefly minimizing the browser does not throw it off.
Will I hear the alarm if I am in another tab?
Yes, the sound plays from this page even if you are viewing another tab, as long as this browser tab stays open.
Can it notify me outside the browser?
Turn on Notify me when done and allow notifications when your browser asks. You will get a system notification when the timer ends, even if you are looking at a different window.
Does my screen need to stay on?
The timer keeps your screen awake while it runs on devices that support it, so the countdown will not be interrupted by your screen locking.
What keyboard shortcuts does it support?
Space starts or pauses the countdown, R resets it, and F toggles fullscreen, so you can control it without reaching for the mouse.
Is there a shortcut for common lengths?
This page is for any custom length. For a length you use often, the site also has ready-made pages like the 5 minute timer, 10 minute timer, 15 minute timer, 20 minute timer, 30 minute timer, 1 minute timer and 1 hour timer, each already set to that length when the page loads.
Can I add more time after starting?
Yes, click plus 1 minute or plus 5 minutes while the timer is running, and the extra time is added straight to the countdown without needing to reset it.
Do I need to install anything or sign up?
No. The page is ready to use as soon as it loads, with no account, download or browser extension needed.