20 minute timer
Focus25:00
Twenty 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.
Accurate in the background
The countdown is based on real timestamps, so it stays exact in background tabs, on sleep and after a reload.
Ambient sounds & lofi
Layer rain, café or forest sounds, add focus music, a lofi radio or your own Spotify playlist.
Tasks with estimates
Plan your session in pomodoros and see when you will be done, breaks included.
Stats, streaks & badges
Daily goal, activity charts, a year heatmap and 46 badges to unlock. Share your week in one tap.
Floating timer
Pop the timer out into an always-on-top mini window while you work in other apps.
Scenes & themes
Light, dark, five color palettes and immersive scenes, from deep space to a flower field.
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 data stays in your browser, exportable anytime.
Related timers
Each timer below is the same full-featured app, preset for a specific method or duration.
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.
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