Pomodoro study timer
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A simple Pomodoro timer for studying: 25 minutes of focus, a 5-minute break, and a 15-minute break after every four focus sessions, the pattern described by the technique's creator, Francesco Cirillo. Write down what you'll do in the session, press start, and keep your phone out of reach until the chime.
How to use it
- Write one specific task in the box: "10 algebra questions", not "maths".
- Press Start and work only on that task.
- When the chime sounds, take the break: stand up, stretch, get water.
- After four focus sessions, take a longer break.
The countdown also shows in the browser tab, so you can see it from another tab without switching.
Changing the lengths
25 minutes is a starting point. Younger students may prefer 10 to 15 minutes; long tasks like a past paper may suit 45 to 50 minutes with a 10-minute break. Open Change the lengths under the timer. The research on ideal break lengths is still developing, so choose what lets you focus fully and keep planned breaks.
Make each session count
Focused time spent rereading is still rereading. Fill sessions with active work: practice questions, flashcards or blank-page recall, which are far more effective (Dunlosky et al., 2013). Keep your phone in another room: even notifications you don't answer can disrupt attention (Stothart et al., 2015). More in our Pomodoro technique guide and how to focus while studying.
Pomodoro for different tasks
| Task | Session length | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Flashcards or vocabulary | 15 to 25 min | Say each answer before you flip |
| Maths practice | 25 min | 8 to 12 questions, marked as you go |
| Essay writing | 45 to 50 min | Plan or draft one section |
| Past paper | Full paper | Exam conditions, then review in the next session |
Breaks that actually rest you
Move, stretch, get a drink or look out of the window. Scrolling social media tends to stretch a 5-minute break into 20, and makes it harder to restart. If you're on a roll at the chime, finish your current question, then take the break.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pomodoro technique good for ADHD?
Some people with ADHD find short, timed sessions helpful, but there's no single right approach. Adjust the lengths to what works, and follow any advice from your school or doctor.
How long is a Pomodoro?
Traditionally 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer 15 to 30 minute break after four rounds.
Does the timer work in the background?
Yes. It keeps time even if you switch tabs, shows the countdown in the tab title, and plays a chime at the end.
Can I change the session length?
Yes. Open Change the lengths and set focus, short break and long break times from 1 to 120 minutes.
Sources
- Francesco Cirillo, creator of the Pomodoro Technique. Francesco Cirillo.
- Improving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest (Dunlosky et al.), 2013.
- The Attentional Cost of Receiving a Cell Phone Notification. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance (Stothart, Mitchum and Yehnert), 2015.
Keep reading
The Pomodoro technique for studying: how to use it well
25 minutes of focused work, a short break, repeat. How to plan each session and adapt it to studying.
How to focus while studying: 9 practical habits
Practical habits for staying focused: remove distractions, set one clear task, study actively, and rest.
Free revision timetable generator
A day-by-day revision plan from your exam dates and weak subjects, ready to print or download.
How to stop procrastinating and start studying
Why procrastination happens and practical strategies that make starting easier.