Work in focused blocks with short breaks in between. Press start and the timer handles the rest.
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How the Pomodoro Technique works
- Pick one task.
- Focus for 25 minutes, with no email or phone.
- Take a 5-minute break.
- After 4 focus sessions, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
The method was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s and named after his tomato-shaped kitchen timer (pomodoro is Italian for tomato).
Popular settings
| Style | Focus | Short break | Long break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 25 min | 5 min | 15–30 min |
| Long focus | 50 min | 10 min | 30 min |
| Getting started | 15 min | 5 min | 15 min |
The countdown also shows in your browser tab, so you can see it while working in another tab. Keep this tab open: closing it stops the timer.
Frequently asked questions
Why 25 minutes?
It’s long enough to make progress and short enough to stay focused. Change it if another length suits you better.
Will it work in a background tab?
Yes. It keeps accurate time even when the tab isn’t visible, and plays a sound when time is up.
Does it remember my settings?
Yes, on this device.
Is anything uploaded?
No, it runs in your browser.
Sources
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