Timer

How to use the Online Countdown Timer

1. Enter hours, minutes, and seconds for your desired countdown, or click one of the quick-start preset buttons.
2. Click Start or press Space to begin the countdown.
3. Switch to another tab if needed. The remaining time appears in the browser tab title.
4. When time is up, you will hear an alarm sound and see a notification. Click Dismiss to stop the alarm.
5. Press Escape to reset the timer and set a new duration.

When a browser timer isn't enough

Browser tabs can be throttled or killed by your OS to save battery, especially on mobile when the screen is off. For anything mission-critical (a lab reaction that ruins a sample if it overshoots, or a kitchen timer for something that burns fast), pair this with a physical backup timer or keep the screen awake. For desk work, presentations, or reminders where a missed alert just means "start five minutes late," it's reliable enough that you won't think about it again.

Frequently asked questions

Will it alert me if the tab isn't focused?

Yes, as long as the tab stays open. You'll get an audible alert and, if you've granted permission, a browser notification even from another tab or app.

Can I set multiple timers at once?

Currently one timer per tab. Open a second tab if you need to track two countdowns in parallel, for example, timing a presentation while also timing Q&A.

Does it work with the screen off on mobile?

It depends on the phone and browser. iOS Safari and most Android browsers will generally still fire the notification even with the screen locked, but test it once for your specific device before relying on it for something time-sensitive.