Study timer
A free study timer that opens on a 25-minute block, the classic Pomodoro length. It lives in a browser tab with the time left in the title, so your notes and the timer share one screen and the phone stays in the bag. Also searched as studying timer, timer for studying, study countdown.
Four study methods and how to run them
| Method | Work | Break | On aTimer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomodoro | 25 min | 5 min, 15 min after four | Pomodoro timer mode runs the whole cycle |
| 52/17 | 52 min | 17 min | Open any timer page with ?m=52, then ?m=17 |
| 90-minute block | 90 min | 20 min | 90 minute timer, then 20 minute timer |
| Flowtime | Until focus drops | About a fifth of the work time | Stopwatch for work, timer for the break |
The 52/17 split comes from DeskTime's analysis of its most productive users. The 90-minute block follows the ultradian rhythm, the natural rise and fall of alertness through the day. Flowtime drops fixed blocks and instead records how long you actually stayed focused.
Which one to pick
- Hard to start: Pomodoro. Twenty-five minutes is short enough to begin even when you do not feel like it.
- Problem sets and essays: 52/17 or 90-minute blocks, so you are not cut off mid-thought.
- Review and flashcards: Pomodoro, with a different subject each block.
- Already in flow: Flowtime. Do not let a timer break a good session.
Setting up a session
- Write the one task for this block on paper.
- Close chat and mail tabs. Turn on Notify so the alert reaches you anyway.
- Press Space. Do not touch the timer until it rings.
- Take the full break away from the screen, then start the next block.
Read a longer comparison in the study timer methods guide, or try the focus timer and the plain 25 minute timer.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I study without a break?
Most people hold full attention for 25 to 90 minutes. Start with 25 and lengthen the block if the alarm keeps interrupting you mid-task.
Is Pomodoro or 52/17 better for studying?
Pomodoro is better for getting started and for mixed review. 52/17 suits long problems where switching costs are high. Try each for a week and compare what you finished.
Does the study timer work in a background tab?
Yes. The countdown is tied to your device clock, and the remaining time shows in the tab title. Turn on Notify for a desktop alert.
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