Online Timer
Countdown timer with presets and custom durations.
Run a simple timer from your browser
This online timer counts down from a set time and plays at zero.
- Choose a preset (5 / 10 / 30 minutes or 1 hour, etc.) or set a custom duration in hours, minutes, and seconds. Use Start, Pause, and Reset to control the timer.
- Keep the tab open while the timer runs. If you switch to another tab the countdown can slow down, so keep it in front for accurate timing.
Note: For critical countdowns, always check your device's sleep and sound settings first. If your device goes to sleep, the alert won't play until you wake it.
Timer vs stopwatch: What's the difference?
A timer counts down from a set time and answers "When will this end?" It is useful for knowing when something will stop, like an exam session or game ending or a cake baking. A stopwatch counts up and answers "How long has this been happening?" You can use it to measure reaction times, sports achievements (how long your jog took), and how long tasks take you. If you are working on performance, both are useful. Use a stopwatch to get a rough idea of how long something takes, then set a timer for that duration and try to finish before the timer sounds.
When to use this timer
In the kitchen: use the timer to cook perfect pasta, hit an exact tea brewing time, or any time you need precise timing. At the gym: set 25-minute focus blocks when you're working out or tracking sets. Focus sessions: choose a work duration that suits you, switch off notifications, and set the timer for a focused work session.
FAQs
- Will the alert wake the room?
- The alert will sound using your device's volume. Test your volume settings before you rely on it.
- How long can the timer run for?
- Set a custom duration in hours, minutes, and seconds, up to 99 hours.
- Does it keep running in the background?
- Yes. The timer counts down to a fixed end time, so even if you switch tabs and the browser slows the page down, it shows the correct time left the moment you come back.
Related tools
- See how long something takes and mark laps and splits with the online stopwatch.
- Set an online alarm clock to ring at a specific time.