20 minute timer
Focus
25:00Twenty minutes is one of the most versatile durations there is: a power nap, a chapter of a book, a quick workout or a focused sprint on a single task. The timer above is already set to 20 minutes. Click Start or press Space, and it counts down quietly while you get on with your day.
The 20-minute power nap
Twenty minutes is often cited as the upper end of a good power nap: long enough to rest, and usually short enough to wake up before sliding into deep sleep. Many people like to take it in the early afternoon.
To nap with this timer, pick an alarm sound you will actually hear, turn on desktop notifications, and add a soft layer of rain or white noise to cover background noise. Since it can take a few minutes to drift off, a 20-minute countdown usually leaves you with around a quarter of an hour of real rest.
Twenty minutes of focused work
For reading, 20 minutes is a sweet spot: enough time to get through a chapter or a dense article, not so much that your mind starts to wander. It also works well for planning. Spend the first 20 minutes of your morning listing priorities and blocking time in your calendar before you open email.
If you work at a screen all day, you may know the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. A 20 minute timer is a simple reminder to look up and rest your eyes.
- Planning the day or the week ahead.
- A HIIT session: warm-up, intervals and a short cooldown fit comfortably in 20 minutes.
- Practicing an instrument or sketching.
Tips for a smoother 20 minutes
- 1Decide what done looks likeWrite one line about what you want to finish before the alarm, such as "read pages 40 to 60".
- 2Clear the screenSwitch to zen mode or fullscreen so the countdown is the only thing in front of you.
- 3Match the sound to the taskForest or rain for reading, lofi or a Spotify playlist for a workout.
- 4Extend if you are closePress "+1 min" to finish a paragraph or a last set without restarting the timer.
How the Pomodoro timer works
Four simple steps. No account, nothing to install: it runs right here in your browser.
- 11
Pick what to work on
Add a task and estimate how many pomodoros it needs. The active task is credited automatically when a session ends.
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Start the timer
Press Start (or the Space bar) and give the task your full attention until the bell rings.
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Take a real break
Step away from the screen for 5 minutes. Stretch, drink some water, rest your eyes.
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Repeat, then rest longer
After four pomodoros, take a longer 15–30 minute break. Your stats and streak update on their own.
Everything you need to focus. Nothing you don't.
A calm, distraction-free timer with the tools serious students and makers actually use.
Pomodoro, Flowtime & countdowns
Classic 25/5, 50/10 or your own durations, a count-up Flowtime mode and simple countdowns, exact even in background tabs.
Ambient sounds & lofi
Layer rain, café or forest sounds, brown noise or 40 Hz binaural beats, and add lofi radio or your own Spotify playlist.
Tasks, projects & templates
A to-do list under the timer: pomodoro estimates, notes, subtasks, projects and reusable templates. See when you'll be done.
Stats, streaks & badges
Daily goal, charts, a year heatmap, time per project, session history with CSV export and 100+ badges to unlock.
Study rooms with friends
Create a room, share the link and focus on one shared timer. See who's working and cheer each other on.
Floating timer
Pop the timer out into an always-on-top mini window while you work in other apps.
Scenes, clocks & themes
Dial, flip clock or kitchen timer. Animated scenes or your own photo, snow or sakura effects, light, dark and any colour.
Keyboard shortcuts
Space to start, R to reset, S to skip, F for fullscreen. Your hands never leave the keyboard.
Private by design
No sign-up, no ads, no tracking of your work. Your tasks and stats stay in your browser, exportable anytime.
Related timers
Each timer below is the same full-featured app, preset for a specific method or duration.
Methods
Countdown timers
Frequently asked questions
How do I set a timer for 20 minutes?
The countdown on this page is already set to 20 minutes, so you only need to press Start or the Space bar. You can switch to another duration with the chips or type any number of minutes.
Why is 20 minutes recommended for a power nap?
Naps of about 10 to 20 minutes are often suggested because they tend to end before deep sleep, which can make waking up easier. It is general advice rather than a rule, so adjust the length to what works for you.
Can I see the timer while working in another app?
Yes. Press P to open a small always-on-top window with the countdown. The browser tab title also shows the remaining time.
Does the timer work in a background tab?
Yes. It stays accurate when the tab is in the background, and the alarm rings when time is up. Turn on desktop notifications if you also want a visible alert.
Learn to focus better
Science-backed guides on the Pomodoro Technique, studying and deep work.
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How Long Should You Study Without a Break?
The short answer first, then the nuance: what studies on study breaks actually found, how long a break should be, the signs you need one, and how to find your own rhythm.
12 min readThe Science Behind Pomodoro: What Research Does and Doesn't Show
An honest look at the evidence: the few studies that tested the Pomodoro Technique, what research on breaks and attention suggests, and the popular claims that don't hold up.
12 min readHow to Use the Pomodoro Technique at Work
A practical guide for knowledge workers, freelancers and remote workers: plan your day in pomodoros, estimate tasks, handle interruptions and meetings, and protect your focus.