The Pomodoro Technique
25:00
Tap the circle to start. Hold it to cancel.
A simple method for focused work
The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method that splits work into focused 25-minute sessions, called pomodoros, separated by short breaks. It was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, when he was a university student. The name is Italian for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used.
The steps
- Choose a task you want to work on.
- Set the timer for 25 minutes.
- Work on the task until the timer rings.
- Take a short break of about 5 minutes.
- After four pomodoros, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.
Why it works
A pomodoro is short enough that starting feels easy, and the end is always in sight. Regular breaks stop fatigue from building up over a long day. Counting pomodoros also shows you how long tasks really take, which makes planning more honest.
Handling interruptions
When something comes up during a pomodoro, write it down and return to your task. If it is urgent, stop the pomodoro and start a fresh one afterwards. A pomodoro is meant to be one unbroken block of focus.
Common variations
The 25/5 rhythm is the original, but many people adjust it. Try 50/10 or 52/17 for work that needs longer to settle into, 90 minutes for deep work, or 15-minute rounds when starting is hard.
The same timer on your phone and tablet
Pomodoro Timer for Android has the same look and the same one-tap timer, on phones, tablets and foldables.
Questions
What does pomodoro mean?
It is Italian for tomato. Francesco Cirillo named the method after his tomato-shaped kitchen timer.
How long is a pomodoro?
Traditionally 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer break after every four.
Do I need a special app?
No. Any timer works, including this one, which runs in your browser for free.