- Pick one task, start a 25-minute timer and work only on that until it rings.
- Then take a 5-minute break. After four pomodoros, take a longer 15–30 minute break.
- Each 25 minutes of focus is one "pomodoro". Counting them at the end of the day makes your progress measurable.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that splits work into short, uninterrupted blocks of focus. Francesco Cirillo developed it in the late 1980s, when he was a university student. It is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer he used: pomodoro is Italian for tomato.
The idea is simple: instead of "I'll work all day", you say "for the next 25 minutes I'll do only this". A short, clearly bounded block makes it easier to start, and regular breaks help keep your mind fresh through a long day.
How to use it
- Choose a task. Write down what you'll work on. If it's big, break it into smaller pieces and estimate how many pomodoros each will take.
- Start the timer. For 25 minutes, work only on that task. Silence notifications and put your phone out of reach.
- Note distractions. If something else comes to mind, jot it down and get back to focus. If a pomodoro gets interrupted, it's better to start it over.
- Take a short break. When the timer rings, rest for 5 minutes: stand up, drink some water, look away from the screen.
- Take a long break every four. After the fourth pomodoro, rest for 15–30 minutes, then start again.
25 minutes is a starting point, not a rule. Some tasks suit shorter blocks, deep work may suit longer ones. What matters is that focus and rest follow each other regularly.
Why it works
- Starting gets easier. A daunting task feels lighter when it's "just 25 minutes".
- Fewer distractions. Interruptions are put off until later, so it's easier to stay on one task.
- Breaks are planned. Resting is part of the plan, not something to feel guilty about, so long days feel less draining.
- Progress becomes visible. Seeing how many pomodoros you did shows where your time goes and improves your estimates over time.
The Pomodoro Technique with Pomotoro
- Tasks: Add a task, estimate its pomodoros, and watch them count up as you finish.
- Tempos: Pick a preset in Settings: Light (15/3/10 min), Classic (25/5/15 min), Deep (50/10/20 min), Max (90/20/30 min). Or set your own durations.
- Daily goal and streak: Set how many pomodoros you want each day, and keep your streak going by finishing at least one a day.
- Report: The last 7 days, your most focused hours, weekly and yearly summaries.
- Profile: Your avatar, all-time totals and achievements (with an account; without one, achievements are in the Report).
- Focus aids: Rain, waves, library and fire sounds; zen mode that hides everything else; full screen.
- Themes and coins: Every 25 minutes of focus earns 1 coin; coins unlock new themes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pomotoro free?
Yes. Pomotoro is free and needs no sign-up. Themes aren't sold; you unlock them with coins you earn by focusing.
Do I need an account?
No. Without an account you can use the timer, tasks, report and achievements; your data stays in your own browser. With a free account your progress syncs across your devices and you get every theme, streak freezes and the weekly leaderboard.
Where is my data stored?
Without an account everything stays in your browser and never reaches us. With an account your tasks and focus records are stored with your account so they can sync. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Once you have opened the site, it works without an internet connection. If you have an account, your changes sync when you're back online.
Can I install it like an app?
Yes. On Android and desktop, choose "Install app" from the Chrome or Edge menu. On iPhone, tap Share in Safari and choose "Add to Home Screen".
Does the timer stop if I switch or close the tab?
Switching tabs doesn't throw the timer off, and the alarm rings on time. If you close the tab completely the alarm won't ring, but the session still counts; it is recorded when you come back.
What are coins and how do I earn them?
Every 25 minutes of completed focus earns 1 coin. Spend coins on new themes or streak freezes. Coins can't be bought; they are only earned by focusing.
What are streaks and streak freezes?
Your streak is the number of days in a row on which you finished at least one full pomodoro. A streak freeze costs 5 coins, you can hold up to 2, and it saves one empty day while your streak is running. Buying a freeze needs an account.
What are achievements?
The Achievements card (in your Profile if you have an account, otherwise in the Report) shows small milestones, from your first pomodoro to a 100-day streak. They aren't stored separately but calculated from your focus records; you get a small notification when you earn a new one.
What is the weekly leaderboard?
It is optional and needs an account. If you choose "Join" in the Report, your account name, avatar and weekly pomodoro count appear on the leaderboard; your email never does. Joining is permanent; to leave, email us or delete your account.
Are there keyboard shortcuts?
Yes. Space starts or pauses, S skips, R resets, 1 2 3 pick a mode, N adds a task, Z toggles zen mode, F full screen and D dark mode. I opens the Report, G My coins and , Settings. Press ? for the full list.
I found a bug or have an idea.
Choose "Report a bug / idea" in the Help section at the bottom of Settings. Your message goes straight to the developer.