Does the timer work when I switch to another tab?

Yes. The countdown continues running in the background. The browser tab title updates to show the remaining time (e.g. ⏱ 04:32) so you can glance at it without switching back.

Will the alarm sound if my tab is in the background?

The alarm uses the Web Audio API, which plays through your device speakers regardless of tab focus. Make sure your system volume is on and the mute button in the timer is off.

Does the timer remember my last setting?

Yes. The duration you used last is saved in your browser's localStorage. When you revisit the page, the same time is pre-loaded so you can start immediately.

Can I use this as a Pomodoro timer?

Absolutely. Tap the 25m preset for a standard Pomodoro work interval. After the alarm, tap 5m for a short break. For a full Pomodoro session with automatic phase switching and round tracking, try the dedicated Pomodoro Timer tool.

What is the maximum timer duration?

The maximum is 99 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds — well beyond any practical need. For sessions longer than a few hours, consider setting reminders instead.

20 Minute Timer

Free 20 minute timer with alarm. Perfect for focused study sessions, power naps, yoga flows, and cooking tasks.

Custom Duration

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Twenty minutes is the scientifically optimal power nap duration. NASA research on pilots found that a 20-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness by 100% — leading to official nap policies at several airlines. In learning science, the "20-minute rule" suggests that the first 20 minutes of studying a new topic is the highest-return window before diminishing gains set in. Yoga flows like Sun Salutation A and B can be cycled for a complete 20-minute practice. Rice (white, standard) takes exactly 18–20 minutes to cook perfectly. In product development, user interviews are structured at 20 minutes for focused qualitative insight. The human body's core temperature begins to drop after 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, signaling the ideal stopping point for a short session. Versatile, evidence-backed, and just long enough to matter.

Free Online Countdown Timer

Zolkit's countdown timer works entirely in your browser — no install, no account, no ads interrupting your focus. Set any duration from seconds to hours using the input fields, or tap a preset pill (5m, 10m, 25m, 1hr) for the most common intervals. A three-tone alarm sounds when the countdown reaches zero. The tab title updates in real time so you can switch windows without losing track. Your last-used duration is saved locally so the timer is ready to go on your next visit.

Instant Start

Set your time and hit Start — the countdown begins immediately. No sign-up, no ads, no distractions.

16 Preset Durations

One-click presets from 30 seconds to 3 hours cover the most common timer needs: noodles, Pomodoro, workouts, and more.

Audible Alarm

A three-tone ascending chord plays when the timer ends. Mute toggle keeps your environment quiet when needed.

Fullscreen Mode

Expand to full screen for a visible countdown across the room. Ideal for classrooms, kitchens, and group workouts.

Works Offline

All logic runs in the browser. Once the page loads, no network connection is required.

Tab Title Countdown

The browser tab shows the remaining time so you never lose track when working in other windows.

How to Use the Timer

1
Enter hours, minutes, and seconds in the input fields — or tap a preset pill like '5m' or '25m' to load a common duration instantly.
2
Click 'Start' to begin the countdown. The progress ring shrinks from green to red as time elapses. Pause and Resume at any time.
3
When the timer reaches zero, a three-tone alarm sounds and the tab title shows '⏰ Time's Up!'. Click Reset to set a new countdown.