ToolOnline Timer
Set it, tab away, get beeped. Countdown with presets for pomodoro, breaks and cooking.
How to use the timer
- Tap a preset or type minutes and seconds, then hit Start.
- The button becomes Pause while running; Reset returns to your set time.
- Switch tabs freely — the countdown shows in the tab title and the alarm beeps at zero.
Timers that actually change behavior
A countdown is the cheapest productivity tool there is. The pomodoro method (25 minutes on, 5 off) works because a visible deadline turns "work on the report" into "survive 25 minutes" — a game your brain will actually play. The same trick tames chores: nobody wants to clean the kitchen, but almost anyone can clean for 10 timed minutes. And in the kitchen itself, the difference between pasta and regret is about 90 seconds. Need to time something open-ended instead? Use the spacebar counter's timed modes for speed challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the timer still go off if I switch tabs?
Yes — the countdown keeps running in the background and the alarm plays when time is up. The remaining time also shows in the browser tab title so you can see it at a glance from any tab.
Does the timer make a sound?
Yes, a clear beep plays when the countdown reaches zero (make sure your volume is up and the tab isn’t muted). The alarm repeats a few times so a brief glance away doesn’t make you miss it.
Can I use this as a pomodoro timer?
Absolutely — the 25-minute preset is the classic pomodoro work block. Run 25 minutes of focus, take a 5-minute break (there’s a preset for that too), and repeat.
Does the timer work if my screen locks or the laptop sleeps?
The timer tracks real clock time, so a brief screen lock is fine — it recalculates on wake. If the computer fully sleeps, the browser may pause; for critical timing, keep the machine awake.