What the Pomodoro technique is
The Pomodoro technique, created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, splits work into blocks of intense focus followed by short breaks, helping maintain concentration and avoid mental burnout. The name comes from the tomato-shaped ("pomodoro" in Italian) kitchen timer its creator used.
How this timer works
The default cycle is: 25 minutes of focus, followed by a 5-minute short break. Every 4 completed focus cycles, instead of a short break, you get a 20-minute long break to truly rest before starting the cycle over. Use the Start, Pause and Reset buttons to control the timer — a sound and visual alert lets you know when each stage ends.
Tips for using the technique well
During the 25-minute focus block, avoid any distraction — phone, social media, email. During the short break, get up, stretch or drink water, but avoid activities that demand heavy focus (like checking notifications). During the long break, it's a good time for coffee, a short walk, or real mental rest.
Frequently asked questions
Why 25 minutes and not another value?
That's the classic interval defined by Francesco Cirillo, the technique's creator — long enough to make real progress on a task, but short enough to stay focused without getting too tired.
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes, the countdown keeps running in the background as long as the page stays open in your browser, even if you switch tabs.
What happens after 4 focus cycles?
Instead of the 5-minute short break, you get a 20-minute long break, and the cycle counter resets for the next block of 4 pomodoros.
Can I pause the timer mid-stage?
Yes, the Pause button stops the countdown at any time, and you can resume from where you left off by clicking Start again.