Work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and after four rounds take a longer break. Adjust the lengths below and press start.
How to use the Pomodoro timer
- Pick one task to work on and remove distractions.
- Press Start focus. Work on the task until the 25-minute timer rings.
- Take the 5-minute short break. Stand up, stretch or get water.
- After four focus rounds, take a 15-minute long break, then start again.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. You split work into focused intervals, traditionally 25 minutes long, separated by short breaks. Each interval is called a pomodoro, Italian for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a student.
Working against a timer makes it easier to start, discourages multitasking, and builds in regular rest so your focus lasts longer across the day.
Popular Pomodoro schedules
| Schedule | Focus | Break | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic 25/5 | 25 min | 5 min | Most tasks, beginners |
| 50/10 | 50 min | 10 min | Deep work, coding, writing |
| 52/17 | 52 min | 17 min | Long days at a screen |
Take it with you: the Multi Stopwatch & Timer Plus app
A browser tab can be paused when your phone locks. The free Android app keeps counting in the background and rings even with the screen off.
- Run several stopwatches and timers at the same time
- Alarms that ring with the screen off or the phone locked
- Interval workout timer with sets, work and rest
- Lap times you can keep and share
- Full-screen display you can read from across the room
More free tools
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Pomodoro?
A classic Pomodoro is 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
Can I change the Pomodoro and break lengths?
Yes. Tap any number and type a new value, or use the plus and minus buttons, to set the focus length, short break, long break and how many rounds come before the long break. Your settings are saved in your browser.
Does the next session start automatically?
If "Auto-start next phase" is on, breaks and focus sessions follow each other automatically with a sound at every change. Turn it off to start each phase yourself.
What should I do during a Pomodoro break?
Step away from the screen: stand up, stretch, drink water or look out of a window. Avoid email and social media so the break actually rests your attention.
Is 25/5 or 50/10 better?
25/5 is easier to start and good for tasks you are avoiding. 50/10 suits deep work where you need longer to get into flow. Try both and keep the one you finish more sessions with.
