What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. The technique is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a university student.
How It Works
- Choose a task - Add it to the task list below
- Start the 25-minute timer - Click Start or press Space
- Work with full focus - No distractions until the timer rings
- Take a 5-minute break - Step away and rest your mind
- Repeat - After 4 pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break
Why 25 Minutes?
Research shows that 25 minutes is long enough to make meaningful progress on a task, but short enough to maintain intense focus. The regular breaks prevent mental fatigue and keep you fresh throughout the day.
Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique
- Increased focus - Knowing you only need to focus for 25 minutes makes it easier to resist distractions
- Better time awareness - You learn how long tasks actually take
- Reduced burnout - Regular breaks prevent exhaustion
- Improved planning - Break large projects into pomodoro-sized chunks
- Greater accountability - Track completed pomodoros to measure productivity
Features
- Automatic work → break cycle, with a 15-minute long break after every 4 pomodoros
- Optional auto-start so the next phase begins hands-free
- Preset timers for work (25 min) and breaks (5, 10 min)
- Custom duration input
- Built-in task list
- Browser notifications when timer ends
- Audio alert on completion