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Countdown Timer

A countdown timer counts down from a set duration to zero, which makes it useful for time-boxing work, breaks, meetings, cooking and exercise. Choose 1, 5, 10 or 25 minutes, press Start, and the ring shows how much time is left. You can pause and resume at any point without losing time.

Updated Free, no sign-up, runs in your browserHow we check formulas

Length
min
05:00
Countdown

How to use the Countdown Timer

  1. Choose a duration: 1, 5, 10 or 25 minutes.
  2. Press Start. The digits and the ring count down to zero.
  3. Press Pause to stop the clock and Resume to continue from the same point.
  4. Press Reset to start the chosen duration again. The display shows Done when time is up.

Formula

time left = end time - now

When you press Start the timer records the exact end time and computes the remaining time against the clock with performance.now(), so it does not drift even if the browser slows down.

Suggested durations

  • 1 minute: quick breathing exercise or plank
  • 5 minutes: short break or tea steeping
  • 10 minutes: stand-up meeting or speed review
  • 25 minutes: one focused work session, as in the Pomodoro Technique

Countdown Timer questions

How do I use an online countdown timer?

Pick a duration, press Start and keep the tab open. The digits and the ring show the time remaining, and the display reads Done at zero. Pause stops the clock without losing time, and Reset returns to the full duration.

Can I pause and resume the countdown?

Yes. Press Pause to stop the countdown and Resume to continue from exactly where it stopped. The remaining time is kept while paused. This is useful when an interruption pops up during a meeting, a workout set or a study session. Reset at any time to return to the full duration you selected, and choose another preset to switch to a different length.

Will the timer keep counting if I switch tabs?

Yes. The timer works out the remaining time from the clock rather than counting ticks, so it stays accurate in a background tab. The display updates as soon as you return. Closing the tab stops the timer. Keep the tab open until the countdown finishes.

What timer lengths work best for different activities?

Short focused tasks suit 15 to 25 minutes, deep work 50 to 90 minutes, and breaks 5 to 15 minutes. Stand-up meetings fit in 10 to 15 minutes. Matching the timer to the task makes it easier to start and to stop on time.

How can a countdown timer improve meetings?

Give each agenda item a fixed time and run the timer where everyone can see it. A visible countdown keeps discussion focused and makes it easy to park topics that run over. Leave a few minutes of buffer at the end for decisions.

Why do countdown timers help with procrastination?

A fixed, short time box lowers the effort of starting: committing to 10 or 25 minutes feels manageable even for a task you have been avoiding. The visible end point also reduces the urge to switch tasks, because a break is coming soon.