Pomodoro Timer

Run the Pomodoro Technique with a visual countdown. Set 25 minutes, focus on one task, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. The animated character shows you exactly where you are.

Timer

100%

Style:

05:00

Timer Presets

Custom Timer

05:00

Drag the slider for 1-second precision or click the edit button to enter exact time.

What Is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The core idea is simple: work on a single task for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four of these intervals — called Pomodoros — take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The name comes from the Italian word for tomato (pomodoro), after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a student.

The technique works partly because 25 minutes is short enough to feel manageable when starting a task, and the scheduled break gives you a clear stopping point to look forward to. Many people find it easier to stay focused when the time horizon is visible and finite.

How to Run a Pomodoro Session with Duck Timer

1
Choose one task: Write down the specific thing you'll work on before starting. One task per Pomodoro.
2
Set 25 minutes: Click the 25-minute preset button, or type 25 in the custom time field.
3
Press Start: Work on your task and nothing else until the character reaches the finish line.
4
Take a 5-minute break: When the timer ends, reset it and set 5 minutes for your break.
5
Repeat 4 times: After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer 15–30 minute break before the next set.

The Core Rules

Cirillo's original method included a few specific rules that define what makes a proper Pomodoro session:

1.A Pomodoro is indivisible. Once started, either finish it or abandon it — there is no pausing midway.
2.Protect it from interruptions. If something comes up, note it down and address it after the Pomodoro ends.
3.Don't stop early. If you finish your task before 25 minutes, use the remaining time to review or refine your work.
4.Take the breaks. The break is part of the method. Skipping it defeats the point of the cycle.

Common Variations

The 25/5 split is the standard, but many people adapt the intervals to their work style and task type. Duck Timer's custom time input lets you try any variation:

Variation	Work	Break	Good for
Standard Pomodoro	25 min	5 min	General use, beginners
Extended Pomodoro	45–50 min	10 min	Writing, reading, complex tasks
52/17 Method	52 min	17 min	Deep knowledge work
Short Pomodoro	15 min	5 min	Difficult tasks, building momentum
90-min session	90 min	20 min	Longer uninterrupted work blocks

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I get interrupted during a Pomodoro?

Write down the interruption and address it after the session ends. If the interruption can't wait, you can void the current Pomodoro and start fresh once you're back — a partially completed session doesn't count as a full Pomodoro.

Can I use this for study sessions?

Yes. Many students use the Pomodoro Technique for studying. The 25-minute interval is short enough to get started on difficult material, and the regular breaks help maintain energy across longer sessions.

Does the Pomodoro Technique work for every type of task?

It works well for tasks requiring sustained concentration: writing, studying, coding, analysis. It's less natural for tasks that are highly collaborative, meeting-driven, or that require you to be continuously available to others.

What should I do during the 5-minute break?

Step away from your screen if possible — walk, stretch, get water, look out a window. Screen-based activities like checking social media or email are less restorative for most people.