Everything You Need to Stay Focused
A simple, powerful timer built for deep work
Customizable Presets
Traditional 25/5/30, Sprint (15 min), Deep Work (45 min), or create your own custom intervals. Different tasks need different rhythms.
Auto-Start Flow
Enable auto-start to maintain seamless transitions between work and breaks. Stay in the zone without manual clicking.
Visual Progress Tracking
Session dots show completed Pomodoros, your current interval, and when your next long break arrives. See your momentum build.
Smart Notifications
Multiple alarm sounds with adjustable volume. Desktop notifications keep you informed even when the tab isn't active.
Daily Goal Setting
Set your daily Pomodoro target and see an estimated finish time that updates as you complete sessions.
Privacy First
All your timer settings and preferences are stored locally in your browser. No accounts, no personal data collection. Just you and your work.
Getting Started: Your First Pomodoro
A step-by-step guide to using the timer effectively
1. Plan Your Day
Before you press start, decide what you want to accomplish today. Create a focused list of tasks you’ll work on. You can use your favorite task management app or a simple pen and paper.
The goal is to commit to a set of priorities, preventing distractions from a larger backlog.
Download our To Do Today Sheet: PDF | Google Docs
2. Estimate Your Effort
Once you have your list, estimate how many Pomodoros each task will take. A good rule of thumb: break down any task requiring more than 5-7 Pomodoros into smaller chunks.
Record the number of available Pomodoros, assign them to tasks, and tick them off as you go.
3. Set Your Session Goal
Below the main timer, use the session configuration to choose how many Pomodoros you want to complete (default is 8).
4. Press Start and Focus
Click Start to begin your first Pomodoro. The timer counts down from 25 minutes. Work on your chosen task without interruption until the timer rings. The progress bar shows your progress through the interval.
5. Take Your Break
When the alarm sounds, take a 5-minute break. The timer automatically switches to “Short Break” mode if auto-start is enabled. After 4 Pomodoros, you earn a longer 15-30 minute break.
Understanding Your Timer
What the interface means and how to control it
The Controls
- 1Start / Pause / Resume - Your main control. Starts, pauses, and resumes the timer.
- 2Next (→) - Skips to the next interval (work → break or break → work). Only enabled when timer is active.
- 3Rewind (←) - Goes back to the previous interval. Only enabled after you've completed at least one Pomodoro.
- 4Reset (🗑) - Clears the entire session. Requires confirmation to prevent accidents.
- 5Settings - Customize timer presets, notifications, and auto-start behavior.
The Progress Dots
- 6Filled dots - completed Pomodoros
- 7Pulsing dot - current interval
- 8Separator (|) - where your next long break occurs
Mastering the Settings
- Timer Presets:
- Traditional - 25 min work / 5 min short break / 30 min long break (every 4 Pomodoros)
- Sprint - 15 min sessions for quick tasks
- Deep Work - 45 min blocks for intensive concentration
- Custom - Create your own intervals (auto-selected when you adjust sliders)
- Auto Start - Automatically start the next break or Pomodoro without clicking
- Sound - Choose alarm sound and volume (with test button)
- Desktop Notifications - Get notified even when the browser tab isn’t active
The Three Rules
What separates effective Pomodoro use from just running a timer
1. A Pomodoro is Indivisible
A 25-minute Pomodoro is an atomic unit of work. It cannot be split. If you’re interrupted, the Pomodoro is void. You should start a new one.
This isn’t harsh. It’s protective. It trains you to defend your focus time.
“A Pomodoro can’t be interrupted; it marks 25 minutes of pure work. A Pomodoro can’t be split up; there is no such thing as half of a Pomodoro or a quarter of a Pomodoro. The atomic unit of time is a Pomodoro.
2. Protect Your Pomodoro
- Internal interruption? Write it down immediately, continue working.
- External interruption? Politely defer to your next break. “I’ll be available in 15 minutes.”
- Genuine emergency? Handle it, void the Pomodoro, start fresh.
The technique teaches you to identify interruption patterns and develop prevention strategies.
“Protect the Pomodoro means: inform effectively, negotiate quickly to reschedule the interruption, and call back the person who interrupted you as agreed. The Inform, Negotiate, Call Back Strategy enables you to control external interruptions by simply rescheduling them in a later Pomodoro the same day or another day according to the degree of urgency.
3. Finished Early? Overlearn
Completed your task before the timer rings? Use the remaining time to review and improve your work.
Reinforce what you learned. Spot areas for improvement. Don’t just stop and wait for the bell.
“If you finish a task while the Pomodoro is still ticking, the following rule applies: If a Pomodoro Begins, It Has to Ring. It’s a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity for overlearning, using the remaining portion of the Pomodoro to review or repeat what you’ve done, make small improvements, and note down what you’ve learned until the Pomodoro rings.
These aren’t arbitrary restrictions. They’re the difference between “I used a timer today” and “I actually got deep work done.”
What People Are Saying
Thousands of people use the Pomodoro Technique to improve their focus and productivity
John Doe
@johndoe
The Pomodoro Technique has completely transformed my productivity. 25 minutes of focused work followed by 5 minutes of rest keeps me energized all day!
Jane Smith
@janesmith
I was skeptical at first, but after trying the Pomodoro method for a week, I'm convinced. It's amazing how much more I can accomplish with structured breaks.
Mike Johnson
@mikejohnson
As a software developer, the Pomodoro Technique helps me stay in flow state while preventing burnout. Perfect balance of focus and rest.
Sarah Wilson
@sarahwilson
Pomodoro technique + good music = productivity magic. I've been using this method for months and my focus has never been better.
Alex Chen
@alexchen
Started using Pomodoro for studying and my exam scores improved dramatically. The breaks actually help me retain information better!
Maria Garcia
@mariagarcia
As a freelancer, the Pomodoro Technique helps me manage multiple clients and stay focused. Game changer for remote work!
Tom Wilson
@tomwilson
I combine Pomodoro with deep work principles. 25 minutes of pure focus, then a mindful break. It's like meditation for productivity.
Lisa Park
@lisapark
Pomodoro technique saved my dissertation! Breaking down overwhelming tasks into 25-minute chunks made everything manageable.
David Kumar
@davidkumar
Used to work 8 hours straight and burn out. Now I use Pomodoro - more productive in 4 focused hours than I was in 8 distracted ones.
Emma Thompson
@emmathompson
The ticking timer creates urgency that kills procrastination. Pomodoro turns work into a game - race against the clock!
Ryan Lee
@ryanlee
Teaching my team the Pomodoro method. Our sprint velocity increased 40% just by working in focused 25-minute blocks.
Sophie Brown
@sophiebrown
Pomodoro + noise-canceling headphones = productivity superpowers. I get more done in 2 hours than most people do all day.