5 minute timer
What a 5-minute timer is good for
- Lesson starters and plenaries. Put the timer on full screen so the class can see how long is left for a starter task or a pair discussion.
- Exam reading time. AQA's GCSE French listening paper starts with five minutes' reading time before the recording plays. Practise using that time to read the questions and predict answers.
- The short Pomodoro break. The Pomodoro method pairs 25 minutes of focus with a break of about 5 minutes. The Pomodoro timer runs the whole cycle.
- Brainstorming sprints. Five minutes to write down every idea, with no discussion until the alarm.
- A five-minute warning. Tell children screen time or play ends when this alarm goes, then start a new timer for tidying up.
- A screen-free reset. Stand up, refill your water and look out of a window before the next task.
How it works
Press Start and the 5-minute countdown begins; the bar and the browser tab show the time left. The timer counts to a fixed end time, so it stays accurate if you switch tabs, and an alarm sounds at zero while the numbers flash. Full screen makes the digits readable from across a room. Space starts and pauses, R resets. To share a different length, add ?t= and a number of seconds to the address: datetime.uk/timer/?t=360 opens a 6-minute timer.
For other lengths, use the online timer. For anything with repeated rounds, try the interval timer.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Pomodoro break?
The short break between Pomodoros is usually 5 minutes. After four rounds, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
Will the timer keep going if I switch tabs?
Yes. The timer counts to a fixed end time, so switching tabs or locking the screen briefly does not slow it down. Closing the tab stops it.
Can I show it on a classroom screen?
Yes. Press Full screen and the digits fill the display. Press Escape or the button again to leave full screen.