What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. Named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a university student, this technique breaks work into focused 25-minute intervals called "pomodoros" separated by short 5-minute breaks. After completing four pomodoros, you take a longer 15-30 minute break. This approach combats mental fatigue, maintains focus, and creates a sustainable work rhythm that boosts productivity without burnout.
Why Use a Pomodoro Timer?
Research shows the brain performs optimally in focused bursts rather than extended marathons. The Pomodoro Technique harnesses this by creating urgency (a countdown timer motivates action), providing regular recovery breaks (preventing cognitive overload), and breaking intimidating tasks into manageable chunks. Our free online Pomodoro Timer tracks your sessions, logs completed pomodoros, calculates total focus time, and works entirely in your browser with no account required.
How to Use the Pomodoro Timer
1
Add a task you want to focus on using the Tasks section below the timer.
2
Click the play button to start a 25-minute focus session (pomodoro).
3
Work on your task until the timer rings. Avoid all distractions.
4
Take a 5-minute short break. After 4 pomodoros, enjoy a 15-minute long break.
Customize Your Focus Sessions
Not everyone works best with standard 25/5/15 intervals. Use the Settings panel to customize your focus duration (try 50-minute sessions for deep work), short break length, and long break duration. Enable or disable sound notifications, and track multiple tasks throughout your workday. Your settings are saved automatically in your browser for your next session.
Key Features
Classic 25/5/15 Pomodoro intervals with customizable durations
Visual progress ring shows time remaining at a glance
Audio notifications when sessions complete
Task list to track what you're working on
Statistics: pomodoros completed, focus time, break time, daily streak
Works offline - no internet required after loading
Settings saved locally in your browser
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pomodoro?
A pomodoro is a 25-minute focused work session. The name comes from the Italian word for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer inventor Francesco Cirillo used. After each pomodoro, you take a short break to rest your brain before starting the next session.
Why 25 minutes specifically?
25 minutes is long enough to make meaningful progress on tasks but short enough to maintain intense focus without mental fatigue. Research suggests attention naturally fluctuates in roughly 20-30 minute cycles. However, you can customize the duration in Settings if longer or shorter intervals work better for you.
What should I do during breaks?
Move away from your work screen. Short breaks (5 minutes): stretch, get water, look out the window, do a quick walk. Long breaks (15-30 minutes): have a snack, go outside, do light exercise, meditate. Avoid checking email or social media—these activities don't provide real mental rest.
Is the Pomodoro Timer free?
Yes, completely free with no usage limits, no signup required, and no premium features locked behind a paywall. All PKTools are free forever.
Does my data stay private?
Absolutely. The timer runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data is sent to any server. Your tasks, settings, and statistics are stored locally on your device only.
Does this tool work on mobile devices?
Yes, the Pomodoro Timer is fully responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops across all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Does this tool work on mobile devices?
Yes, the Pomodoro Timer is fully responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops across all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.