Countdown Timer
Set countdown timers
About Countdown Timer
Countdown Timer is a free online tool that counts down from a set time to zero and plays an alert when it reaches the end. Set the hours, minutes, and seconds, start the timer, and get an audio and visual notification when time is up — all in your browser without any app to install.
Countdown timers are used across every area of life. In cooking, timers ensure food is not overcooked — a roast at exactly 90 minutes, pasta at 8 minutes, a soft-boiled egg at 6.5 minutes. In fitness, interval timers track work and rest periods for HIIT workouts, Pomodoro study sessions, and timed exercises. In education, timed quizzes and exam practice use timers to simulate test conditions. In business, meeting timers ensure presentations and agenda items stay on schedule.
The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s, is one of the most widely used productivity methods and relies entirely on a timer. Work for 25 minutes (one Pomodoro), take a 5-minute break, repeat four times, then take a longer 15–30 minute break. The timer creates urgency and focus during work intervals and enforces regular breaks that prevent mental fatigue. Countless studies confirm that regular breaks improve sustained attention and productivity.
A browser-based countdown timer has the advantage of being instantly accessible from any device — desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone — without needing to download an app or create an account. The timer continues running as long as the browser tab is open.
How to Use Countdown Timer
- 1Enter the hours, minutes, and seconds for your countdown
- 2Click "Start" to begin the countdown
- 3Pause and resume as needed
- 4An audio alert plays and the screen flashes when the timer reaches zero
- 5Click "Reset" to start a new countdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The timer runs in JavaScript and continues counting in the background even when the tab is not active. The alert will trigger when time is up regardless of which tab is in focus.
Yes. The timer supports hours, minutes, and seconds with no upper limit on hours — you can set a multi-day countdown if needed.
A time management method where you work in focused 25-minute blocks (Pomodoros) separated by 5-minute breaks. After four Pomodoros, take a 15–30 minute long break. Set the timer to 25 minutes, work without interruption, and rest when it rings.
The visual alert requires the browser to be visible. The audio alert will play even if the browser is minimised, as long as the tab is not suspended by your operating system. Keep your volume on for the audio alert.
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