Countdown Timer
Set a custom countdown timer with sound notification. Perfect for productivity and time management.
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Everything You Need to Know
Complete guide, features, use cases, and frequently asked questions
What is a Countdown Timer?
A countdown timer is a free online tool that counts down from a specified time to zero, alerting you when the time is up. Our countdown timer lets you set hours, minutes, and seconds, with features including pause/resume functionality, visual progress bars, and optional sound notifications. Whether you're using the Pomodoro technique for productivity, timing workouts, cooking recipes, taking breaks, or managing any time-sensitive task, this timer provides a simple and reliable way to track time. The timer runs entirely in your browser with no installation required.
How to Use the Countdown Timer
- Enter the desired hours (0-23) in the Hours input field
- Enter the desired minutes (0-59) in the Minutes input field
- Enter the desired seconds (0-59) in the Seconds input field
- Use quick preset buttons (1, 5, 10, or 30 minutes) for common durations
- Toggle sound notification on/off using the volume button
- Click "Start Timer" to begin the countdown
- Watch the timer count down with a visual progress bar
- Click "Pause" to temporarily stop, or "Resume" to continue
- Click "Stop" to end the timer early, or "Reset" to start over
- Receive a sound notification (if enabled) when time expires
Key Features & Benefits
Custom Time Setting
Set any duration up to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds. Perfect for short tasks like Pomodoro (25 min) or longer activities like slow cooking.
Quick Preset Buttons
One-click preset buttons for 1, 5, 10, and 30 minutes. Ideal for common timed activities like tea brewing, quick breaks, or exercise intervals.
Sound Notification
Get an audible alert when time is up. Toggle sound on/off based on your preference. Never miss the end of your timer again.
Pause & Resume
Pause the timer at any moment and resume exactly where you left off. Perfect for handling interruptions without losing your place.
Visual Progress Bar
See time remaining at a glance with an animated progress bar. Intuitive visual feedback helps you gauge how much time is left.
Large Display
Extra-large time display (HH:MM:SS format) is easy to read from across the room. Perfect for workouts, presentations, or cooking.
Common Use Cases
Pomodoro Technique
Set 25-minute work intervals followed by 5-minute breaks. Boost productivity and maintain focus with this proven time management method.
Workout Intervals
Time exercise sets, rest periods, or circuit training intervals. Perfect for HIIT workouts, tabata, or any interval-based fitness routine.
Cooking & Baking
Track cooking times for recipes, steep times for tea, or proofing times for bread. Never overcook or undercook again.
Study Sessions
Time focused study periods with scheduled breaks. Maintain concentration and prevent burnout with structured study intervals.
Meeting Time Limits
Keep presentations, speeches, or meeting segments on schedule. Ensure discussions stay within allocated timeframes.
Break Reminders
Set timers to remind yourself to stand, stretch, or rest your eyes. Combat desk fatigue with regular movement breaks.
Why Choose Our Countdown Timer?
- ✓Set custom time with hours, minutes, and seconds precision
- ✓Quick preset buttons for common durations (1, 5, 10, 30 minutes)
- ✓Optional sound notification when timer completes
- ✓Pause and resume functionality for flexible time tracking
- ✓Visual progress bar shows time remaining at a glance
- ✓Large, easy-to-read display visible from across the room
- ✓100% free with no ads, registration, or hidden fees
- ✓Works entirely in your browser - no installation required
- ✓Mobile-responsive design works on phones, tablets, and desktops
- ✓Perfect for productivity, fitness, cooking, and time management
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the timer work if I minimize the browser?
Yes, the timer continues running in the background even if you minimize the browser or switch tabs. The sound notification will play when time is up.
Can I use multiple timers at once?
This tool supports one timer at a time. If you need multiple simultaneous timers, open the tool in separate browser tabs or windows.
Will the sound notification work if my device is muted?
No, the sound notification respects your device's volume settings. Ensure your device volume is turned up if you want to hear the alert.
What happens if I close the browser tab?
If you close the tab, the timer will stop. Keep the tab open in the background to ensure the timer completes and plays the notification.
How accurate is the countdown timer?
The timer is accurate to within 1 second. It uses JavaScript intervals which are generally reliable for typical countdown needs.
Can I use this timer for Pomodoro technique?
Absolutely! Set 25 minutes for work sessions and 5 minutes for short breaks. The timer is perfect for Pomodoro and other productivity techniques.
Is there a maximum time limit?
You can set up to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds. This should cover most use cases from short intervals to all-day activities.
Does the timer require internet connection?
Once the page loads, the timer works offline. You don't need an active internet connection for the countdown and notification features.
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