Homework timer
A free homework timer that opens on a 15-minute sprint, a length that suits most elementary and middle school kids. The ring on screen shows how much is left without a phone on the desk, which is the whole point. Also searched as homework countdown, timer for homework, study timer for kids.
How much homework by grade
A common guideline supported by the National PTA and the NEA is about ten minutes per grade level per night. Schools vary, so treat these as a ceiling rather than a target.
| Grade | Total per night | Sprint length | Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| K–2 | 10–20 min | 10 min | 5 min |
| 3–5 | 30–50 min | 15 min | 5 min |
| Middle school | 60–90 min | 20 min | 5 min |
| High school | 90–150 min | 25 min | 5–10 min |
Younger kids do better with several short sprints than one long sitting. Use the 15 minute timer for grades 3 to 5, or press 1 through 9 on the keyboard to set that many minutes.
A routine that reduces arguing
- Lay out everything needed before the timer starts, so there is no pencil-hunting break.
- Let the child press Start. Ownership matters more than it looks.
- During the sprint, the parent does not correct. Questions wait for the break.
- When the alarm sounds, the break is real: move around, have a snack, no screens.
- After the last sprint, stop even if work remains and leave a note for the teacher.
Tips by age
- Early grades: use the Bell sound and fullscreen so the ring is easy to read across the table.
- Grades 3–5: one subject per sprint. A fresh sprint is a fresh start.
- Middle school: hand over the kids timer on their own device and let them run it.
- High school: move to the Pomodoro timer or the study timer and count finished blocks rather than minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a 7-year-old do homework?
About 10 to 20 minutes a night in total, split into one or two short sprints with a break between them.
What if the homework is not finished when the timer ends?
Stop at the agreed limit and write a short note to the teacher. Regular, honest limits do more for learning than late nights.
Can my child see the timer from across the room?
Yes. Press F for fullscreen and the ring and digits fill the screen of a laptop or tablet.
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