How do I set an online timer?

Enter hours, minutes, and seconds using the input fields or quick preset buttons, then click Start. The timer counts down and plays an alarm sound when it reaches zero.

Does the timer work when the tab is in the background?

Yes — the timer continues counting even if you switch to another tab. The alarm will sound when time is up. Keep the browser tab open (it can be minimised or in the background).

Can I set a timer for a specific number of minutes?

Yes — use the quick preset buttons (1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min) or type any custom duration in the hours, minutes, and seconds fields.

Home › Developer Tools › Online Timer

Online Timer — Countdown Timer with Alarm

Set a countdown timer for any duration. Plays an alarm when time is up. Works in any browser — no download, no signup.

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

05:00

Ready

🔔 Play alarm when timer ends

⏰ Time's Up!

Your timer has finished. Click Reset to set a new timer.

Online Timer — How to Use

Choose a preset duration (1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 25 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 2 hrs) or enter a custom time in the hours, minutes, and seconds fields. Click Start to begin the countdown. The timer plays an alarm sound when it reaches zero. You can pause and resume the timer at any point, or reset to start again.

Common Uses for a Countdown Timer

Pomodoro technique: Set 25-minute work sessions with 5-minute breaks — the most popular productivity method. Cooking: Time pasta, eggs, baking, or any recipe step. Exercise: Time workout intervals, rest periods, or HIIT circuits. Presentations: Keep talks within a time limit. Games: Speed rounds, quiz time limits, board game turns. Studying: Focused study blocks with timed breaks. Meditation: Set a session length and close your eyes without checking the clock.

Timer vs Stopwatch — Which Should I Use?

Use a timer when you know in advance how long something should take and want to be alerted when it's done — cooking, exercise intervals, Pomodoro sessions. Use a stopwatch when you want to measure how long something actually takes — racing, testing, recording activity durations. This page is the countdown timer; for a stopwatch see the link in related tools below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a preset button (1 min, 5 min, etc.) or type a custom duration in the hours/minutes/seconds fields, then click Start. An alarm sounds when it reaches zero.

Yes — the timer continues even if you switch tabs. Keep the browser tab open (minimised is fine) and the alarm will sound when time is up.

Yes — use the quick preset buttons or type any duration in the minutes field. The timer supports up to 99 hours.

The Pomodoro Technique uses 25-minute work sessions followed by 5-minute breaks. Click "25 min" for a work session, then "5 min" for a break. After 4 sessions, take a longer 15-30 minute break.

Related Tools