How to use the Pomodoro Timer

The Pomodoro Technique alternates focused work with short breaks: typically 25 minutes of focus, a 5-minute break, and a longer break after four rounds. This timer runs the whole cycle for you. You can change every length, choose whether the next session starts automatically, and play a bell between sessions.

How it works

1. Set the Focus, Short Break, and Long Break lengths, or keep the defaults.
2. Press Start and work on one task until the bell.
3. Take the break — stand up and step away from the screen.
4. Turn on Auto-start next session to keep the cycle running, or use Skip to move on.

Making Pomodoro work for you

• One task per session. Decide what you are working on before pressing Start.
• Protect the break. Breaks are part of the method — skipping them leads to slower work later.
• Adjust the length. 25 minutes is a starting point; younger students may prefer 15, and deep work may suit 45 or 50.
• Write down distractions. If something pops into your head, note it and return to the task.

Ways to use it

Frequently asked questions

Try these next