standarddeviationcalculator.net

Updated

Countdown timer

Set the time, press Start and the timer counts down to zero with a beep. It keeps correct time in a background tab, and the time left shows in the tab title.

00:05:00

Handy countdown lengths

  • 25 minutes is the classic Pomodoro work block, followed by a 5-minute break.
  • 10 minutes suits a quick break, a boiling egg (about 10 minutes for hard) or a timed practice question.
  • 60 minutes works for a study session or an exam section. To plan a timetable, add the blocks with the time calculator.

Need to count up instead, or time laps? Use the stopwatch.

How to use the countdown timer

Enter the hours, minutes and seconds you want, or press a preset button (1, 5, 10, 25 or 60 minutes). Press Start and the display counts down to zero. At zero the timer beeps three times unless you have turned Sound off. You can pause with the same button and Reset to go back to the time you entered. While it runs, the time left is also shown in the browser tab title, so you can switch to another tab and still see it. Full screen makes the timer fill the display for a classroom or a stage.

Does it work in a background tab?

Yes. The timer stores the end time and works out the time left from the clock on every update, so a throttled background tab does not make it run slow. Browsers may delay the sound in a hidden tab, so keep the tab visible, or watch the tab title, if you must not miss the end.

Sound and alerts

The alarm is a short sequence of three tones created by your browser, so no audio file is downloaded. Some browsers only allow sound after you have interacted with the page, which pressing Start counts as. Make sure your device volume is up and not muted. The timer cannot wake a sleeping computer or phone, so keep the screen awake for long timers.

Ways to use a countdown

  • Study blocks: 25 minutes of focus and a 5-minute break is the Pomodoro method.
  • Exams and practice tests: set the exact time limit and watch the last minutes.
  • Cooking: eggs, tea, pasta and bread each need a different time, so set one per task.
  • Exercise: use 30 and 60 second intervals for planks, stretches and rest periods.
  • Presentations: give each speaker a fixed slot and put the timer in full screen.

Common questions

Will the timer still ring if I switch tabs?

The countdown is based on a fixed end time, so it stays correct in the background. Browsers may delay the sound in a hidden tab, so the tab title also shows the time left and changes to “Time’s up” when it finishes.

Can I set the timer for hours?

Yes: enter hours, minutes and seconds, or pick a preset such as 1, 5, 10, 25 or 60 minutes.

Does it make a sound?

A short beep plays when the time is up. It is generated by your browser, needs no download, and you can turn it off with the Sound checkbox.

Written and reviewed by our editorial team. Last updated . Method and sources: how these numbers are computed.