Online Timer
Use this online timer to count down any amount of time accurately in real time. Set hours, minutes, and seconds, start the countdown instantly, and get notified when time is up. The timer runs directly in your browser and works on both desktop and mobile devices.
This page is designed for quick use. You do not need to install anything, sign in, or adjust settings before starting.
What this timer does
This tool is a countdown timer. It starts from a duration you choose and counts down to zero.
You can use it to:
- Track time for tasks, breaks, or activities
- Get an alert when the countdown finishes
- Run short or long timers with the same simple controls
The timer updates continuously and shows the remaining time clearly at all times.
How to use the timer
Set the duration
Enter the time you want to count down using the hours, minutes, and seconds fields. You can set very short timers or long durations depending on your need.
Start and pause
Press Start to begin the countdown. Press Pause to stop it temporarily. Press Start again to continue from the same point.
Reset the timer
Press Reset to stop the timer and return it to the original duration you set.
Optional controls
- Timer label: Add a name to your timer to keep track of what it is for
- Sound control: Turn the alert sound on or off
- Full screen mode: Expand the timer for a clean, distraction-free view
Keyboard shortcuts are available to start, pause, and reset the timer more quickly.
How the timer works
The timer runs using your browser’s internal clock and calculates the remaining time in real time.
Once started:
- The countdown continues automatically
- The display updates smoothly
- The alert triggers when the timer reaches zero
As long as the browser tab stays active, the timer keeps running without manual refresh.
Accuracy and reliability
Is the timer accurate?
Yes. The timer is accurate for everyday personal and professional use. It relies on standard browser timing methods and your device clock.
Does time zone matter?
No. A countdown timer measures elapsed time, not local clock time. Time zones do not affect how this timer works.
What can affect accuracy
In some cases, accuracy may be slightly affected by:
- Browser suspension
- Device sleep or power-saving modes
- Closing or refreshing the page
For normal use, these effects are minimal.
Common uses of an online timer
This timer is commonly used for:
- Work and study sessions
- Cooking and baking steps
- Exercise and workout intervals
- Breaks, reminders, and focus periods
You can adjust the duration to match your task instead of watching the clock manually.
Preset timers
If you want to start quickly, you can use preset timer pages for common durations.
These include:
- Short timers measured in seconds
- Medium timers measured in minutes
- Long timers measured in hours
Preset timers are useful when you already know the exact duration you need and want to start immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Is this timer free to use?
Yes. The timer is completely free and does not require registration.
Can I use this timer on my phone?
Yes. It works in modern mobile browsers without installing an app.
What happens when the timer reaches zero?
When the countdown ends, an alert sound plays if sound is enabled. You can then reset the timer or start a new one.
What happens if I refresh or close the page?
Refreshing or closing the page will reset the timer unless session restore is supported and enabled in your browser.
How is this different from a stopwatch?
A timer counts down from a set duration. A stopwatch counts up from zero and measures elapsed time.
Summary
This online timer provides a simple and reliable way to count down time directly in your browser. It is easy to use, works across devices, and helps you focus on the task instead of tracking time manually.
Set the duration, press start, and let the timer handle the rest.