How do I start a 5 minute timer?
The timer on this page is already set to 5 minute. Press Start and it counts down in large numbers, with an alarm when the time is up. You can pause, add a minute or go full screen. FixDoks's 5 Minute Timer runs in your browser with nothing to install.
5 Minute Timer at a glance
| Preset | 5 minute |
|---|---|
| Controls | Start, pause, reset, +1 minute, full screen |
| Alarm | Beeps when time is up |
| Processing | In your browser; your files are not uploaded |
| Price | Free |
| Works on | Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone |
How to use 5 Minute Timer
- The timer is set to 5 minute. Press Start, or the Space bar.
- Use Pause if you are interrupted, or +1 min to add time.
- Press Full screen to show the countdown large on a phone, laptop or projector.
- When the alarm sounds, press Restart to run it again, or pick another length below the timer.
Five minutes: breaks, starts and quick tasks
Five minutes is the short break in the Pomodoro method, where people commonly work for 25 minutes and then rest for 5. This timer is set to 05:00. It is also a handy length for getting going on a job you are dreading, because almost anyone can face five minutes.
Uses for five minutes
- Pomodoro break: stand up, drink some water and rest your eyes. Try to leave your screen for the whole five minutes.
- The five minute start: commit to a dull task for five minutes only. If you want to continue when the alarm sounds, press +1 min or start a longer timer.
- Pair or group tasks in class: a quick think and discuss, a short written reflection or a brainstorm with a clear end.
- Five minute talks: lightning talks and short presentations at meetups and classes are often about this long.
- Tidy sprint: pick up what is on the floor, clear the sink or reset the living room.
- Short walk or stretch: a few minutes of movement is a pleasant break from sitting. Wear suitable shoes and go at an easy pace.
- Tea and a pause: make a drink without checking your phone.
How to rest properly in a break
A break only helps if it differs from what you were doing. If you were reading a screen, look out of a window or walk to another room. If you were sitting, stand and move. Many people find that scrolling social media feels like a rest but leaves their attention no fresher, so you may want to try a screen-free break and see how you feel afterwards.
Using the timer in a work cycle
Run one 25 minute block, then use this page for the break. The 25 minute block can be timed by setting 25 minutes in the custom boxes on the main online timer. When you return from the break, restart straight away so the habit stays easy to repeat.
After four rounds, many people take a longer rest of around 15 to 30 minutes. That is optional, so adapt the pattern to your own energy and your day.
A 5 minute countdown, ready to start
Five minutes is long enough to finish a small task and short enough to start without putting it off. The timer on this page is set to 5:00. Press Start, and an alarm sounds when the five minutes are up.
What a 5 minute timer is good for
- Pomodoro breaks: the short break between 25 minute focus sessions.
- Classroom: a quick activity, a pair discussion or the last five minutes of a test.
- Presentations: a five minute talk or project pitch, with the time left visible to the speaker.
- Getting started: commit to just five minutes on a task you have been avoiding. Often you keep going.
- Warm ups and stretching before exercise.
Tips
- Put it in full screen on a projector so the whole class can see the countdown.
- Pair it with the 30 minute timer or a 25 minute custom time for a full Pomodoro cycle.
Need a different length? Use the online timer for any time, or the stopwatch to count up.