How do I use a Pomodoro timer to study?
- 1Pick a preset (classic 25 / 5) or type your own focus and break lengths.
- 2Add the task you're working on, then press Start (or the Space bar).
- 3Work until the timer rings, then take the break — a long break comes after every 4 focus sessions.
- 4Check your focus minutes for today and this week, and set a daily goal.
How does the Pomodoro technique work?
- 01Time left = end time − time now
- 02Next phase: after a focus session → short break, but a long break after every 4th one
- 03One cycle = 4 × focus + 3 × short break + 1 × long break
- 04Classic cycle = 4 × 25 + 3 × 5 + 15 = 130 minutes
When you press Start, the timer notes the exact clock time the session will end and always shows “end time minus now”. Browsers slow down timers in background tabs and on phones, so a timer that simply counts down one second at a time drifts and can lose minutes; this one cannot, however rarely the page gets a turn. The beep is booked on the sound system's own clock for the end time, so it rings on time even in the background, and if the page was asleep through several sessions with auto-start on, each next session starts exactly when the last one ended.
The Pomodoro Technique was created by Francesco Cirillo: work for one “pomodoro” of 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and after four pomodoros take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. The short, planned breaks help you stay fresh, and the fixed block makes it easier to start. Many students prefer longer blocks such as 50 / 10 for deep work — choose whatever keeps you focused.
Good to know
- Before you start, write down one clear task (“solve exercise 4.2”), not a whole subject.
- During a break, stand up and look away from screens — don't start scrolling your phone.
- If a thought interrupts you, write it in the task list and go back to work; deal with it in the break.
- Try 50 / 10 for reading or long problem sets, and 25 / 5 when you're tired or finding it hard to start.
Pomodoro timer — common questions
What is the Pomodoro technique?
A time-management method by Francesco Cirillo: you work in 25-minute focus sessions (“pomodoros”) separated by 5-minute breaks, and take a longer 15–30 minute break after every four sessions.
Is 25 minutes the best length for studying?
Not for everyone. 25 / 5 is the classic setting and good for getting started; many students do better with 45–50 minutes of focus and a 10-minute break for reading or maths. Change the times to whatever keeps you focused.
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs or lock my phone?
Yes. It works from the clock time the session ends, so the time is always right when you come back. The sound is booked for the end time too. Some phones pause web pages completely when the screen is locked; the timer then shows the right time again as soon as you open it.
Why don't I get a notification on my phone?
Many phone browsers only allow notifications from installed web apps. The sound, vibration and the tab title still tell you when time is up.
How long should a long break be?
Cirillo suggests 15–30 minutes after four pomodoros. The default here is 15 minutes; set it to whatever you need to rest properly.
Where are my tasks and focus minutes saved?
Only in this browser on this device (local storage). Nothing is uploaded. Clearing your browser data removes them.
Sources
- Francesco Cirillo — The Pomodoro Technique (official site)
- Biwer, F. et al. (2023). Understanding effort regulation: Comparing ‘Pomodoro’ breaks and self-regulated breaks. British Journal of Educational Psychology
- Chrome for Developers — Heavy throttling of chained JS timers (why simple countdowns drift)
- MDN — Web Audio API
Formulas last reviewed: September 30, 2026 ·How we check our formulas