Countdown timer
Count down from a set time, with an alert at zero.
Countdown timer counts down from an hours/minutes/seconds duration you set, showing an on-screen alert once it reaches zero — a simple, flexible timer for any fixed-duration task.
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How to use
- Set hours, minutes and seconds.
- Click "Start" to begin counting down.
- You'll see an on-screen alert when it reaches zero.
Common use scenarios
- Timing a workout interval, cooking step, or presentation segment.
- Setting a time limit for a game, quiz, or classroom activity.
- Timing a short break or focused work sprint.
- Making sure you don't lose track of time during a task.
✓Content & verification reviewed: 2026-08-25
How we verify Countdown timer
How to confirm the countdown is set to the intended duration and alerts you correctly.
Duration fields combine into a single countdown
Hours, minutes, and seconds are added together into one total duration — setting 1 hour and 30 minutes counts down from 90 minutes total, not two separate countdowns.
Tab title shows remaining time while running
While the countdown is active, the browser tab's title updates to show the time left, so you can glance at another tab or window and still track progress without switching back.
Alert is on-screen only, not a system notification
When the countdown reaches zero, the alert appears within the page itself — it won't send a system-level notification or sound if you've switched away to a completely different application, so keep the browser tab visible or nearby if you need to notice the alert.
Before you rely on the result
- The combined hours/minutes/seconds add up to the total duration you actually want.
- You're keeping the browser tab open and reasonably visible to notice the on-screen alert at zero.
- You understand this doesn't send a system notification if you switch to a different app entirely.
- You've used Reset if you need to set up a fresh countdown with different values.
Who this is for
- Anyone timing a workout interval, cooking step, or presentation segment.
- Teachers or hosts setting a time limit for a game, quiz, or classroom activity.
- Anyone timing a short break or focused work sprint outside a full pomodoro cycle.
- Anyone who wants a straightforward way to avoid losing track of time on a task.
Real-world examples
Timing a cooking step
Someone following a recipe sets a countdown for a specific simmering step, keeping the tab visible on their phone or tablet in the kitchen to catch the alert.
Setting a quiz time limit
A teacher sets a 10-minute countdown displayed on the classroom screen so students can see exactly how much time remains for a quiz.
Timing a presentation segment
A speaker rehearsing a talk sets a countdown for each section to make sure they're staying within their allotted total time.
Limitations
- Timing runs while this tab is open; it does not send a notification if you switch away.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set a countdown longer than an hour?
Yes — enter any combination of hours, minutes, and seconds; they're combined into one total countdown duration.
Will I get a notification if I switch to a different application?
No — the alert only appears within the browser tab itself; there's no system-level notification, so keep the tab visible or nearby if you need to catch the alert.
Can I pause and resume the countdown?
Yes — use the Pause button to stop the countdown temporarily, then resume it from where it left off, rather than having to reset and start over.
Does the tab title update while counting down?
Yes — the browser tab's title shows the remaining time while the countdown is running, so you can check progress at a glance even from another tab.
🔒 Runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded. Results are for reference only; see the disclaimer. Last updated: 2026-08-25
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