Timer & Stopwatch
A countdown with an alarm, a stopwatch with laps and a Pomodoro cycle, all in one tab. Space starts and pauses, R resets, L records a lap.
| Lap | Lap time | Total |
|---|
How the timing works
Browsers slow down timers in background tabs, which is why many online timers drift or finish late. This one records the exact start time with performance.now() and works out the remaining time from the clock every time it redraws, so it stays accurate whether the tab is visible or not. The alarm is scheduled for the precise end time.
When a countdown or Pomodoro phase ends you’ll hear a short beep pattern (generated in the browser, no audio file) and, if you allowed notifications and the tab is in the background, get a desktop notification. While a timer runs the tab title shows the time left, and the screen is kept awake on browsers that support the Wake Lock API.
The Pomodoro tab alternates focus sessions and short breaks, with a long break after each set. The defaults follow the classic technique: 25 minutes of focus, 5-minute breaks, and a 15-minute break after four rounds. All lengths can be changed and are remembered.
Questions
Will the timer still go off if I switch tabs?
Yes. The end time is fixed when you press Start, and the alarm is scheduled for that moment. Keep the tab open (it can be in the background) and allow notifications if you want a pop-up as well as the sound.
Why can’t I hear the alarm?
Check the “Alarm sound” box and your device volume, then press “Test sound”. Browsers only allow audio after you’ve interacted with the page, so start the timer with a click or key press rather than leaving a pre-set page untouched.
What are the keyboard shortcuts?
Space starts and pauses the current tab’s timer, R resets it, L records a lap on the stopwatch, and Esc silences the alarm. Shortcuts are ignored while you’re typing in a field.
What is the Pomodoro technique?
A time-management method: work on one task for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and after four rounds take a longer 15–30 minute break. The fixed intervals make it easier to start and to notice when you need a rest.
How are the fastest and slowest laps chosen?
Once you have two or more laps, the shortest lap time is marked “fastest” and the longest “slowest”. The live row at the top shows the lap in progress.