20 Minute Timer
This is a free online 20 minute timer built for focus. Press start and it counts down a full 20 minutes, then rings and rolls you into a 4-minute break. You can also press “Float” to pop the countdown into a small always-on-top window that stays visible while you work in another app.
A 20-minute block is good for a tightly-scoped task when a full 25-minute pomodoro feels like too much. Because the timer runs on a real wall-clock deadline, it keeps perfect time even if you switch tabs, lock your screen, or reload the page — so you can trust the count and forget about it. It works well with the Pomodoro Technique: focused sprints separated by short breaks.
20 minutes sits close to the classic 25-minute Pomodoro, so it slots into the same rhythm: one focused block, one short break, repeat. The timer also has one-tap presets for deeper 50/10 and 90/20 blocks, plus fully custom durations if 20 isn't quite right today.
Other timer lengths
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a 20 minute timer?
Just press the Start button — the timer is already set to 20 minutes on this page. You can pause, reset, or skip at any time.
Can the 20 minute timer run in the background?
Yes. Press “Float” to open a small always-on-top Picture-in-Picture window, or simply leave the tab open — the countdown stays accurate either way because it is based on a real clock deadline.
Will it make a sound when the 20 minutes are up?
If you allow notifications, you’ll get a desktop notification when the session ends. The on-screen timer also clearly shows when a session is complete.
How is a 20-minute timer different from the classic 25-minute Pomodoro?
It's the same technique at a different length — shorter blocks lower the barrier to starting, longer ones give more uninterrupted runway. Pick whichever length you'll actually stick to.
Will it remember my completed sessions?
Yes. Your finished focus sessions are saved locally in your browser so you can see how many you have completed today and in total.