No accumulated drift
The remaining time comes from an exact finish timestamp instead of counting interval ticks.
Free · private · no sign-up
Online Countdown Timer
Set the time, press Start, and move on with the task. The countdown remains accurate after tab switches and restores itself after an accidental refresh.
New-user shortcut
Choose 5 min, press Start, and leave end sound on. Nothing else needs configuring.
Set a duration
Countdown timer
Choose a preset or enter hours, minutes, and seconds.
Ready
00:05:00
Safe to switch tabs: the finish time, not interval ticks, determines the countdown.
Space: start/pause · R: reset
Designed around real timer problems
Simple controls, dependable behavior.
Refresh-safe state
The running countdown, selected duration, and sound choice stay in this browser.
Clear next action
Presets, large controls, status text, and keyboard shortcuts remove setup guesswork.
How to use it
Start a countdown in three steps.
Use a countdown when you know how much time is available. To measure how long an open-ended task takes, use the session timer with history.
- 1
Choose the duration
Pick a familiar preset or enter hours, minutes, and seconds. Minutes and seconds are limited to 0–59 to keep the time easy to read.
- 2
Start, pause, or add time
Start the timer, pause and resume when needed, or add one minute without rebuilding the countdown.
- 3
Watch and listen for zero
The display changes to “Time is up” and plays the optional end sound. Reset returns to the selected duration.
Countdown timer FAQ
Useful details before you start.
Clear answers about accuracy, browser storage, sound, and privacy.
Will this countdown keep running in a background tab?
Yes. The timer saves its exact finish time and calculates the remaining time from the clock, so delayed browser updates do not accumulate into timer drift.
What happens if I refresh or close the timer tab?
The current countdown is stored in your browser. When you return, it restores the timer and calculates how much time is actually left. Browser storage must remain available for this to work.
Does the timer make a sound when it reaches zero?
The end sound is on by default and can be turned off. Browser audio policies, muted devices, or closed tabs may prevent a sound, so keep the visible timer available for important timing.
Is this countdown timer free and private?
Yes. It uses built-in browser features, requires no account, and sends no timer settings to a server. There are no credits, quotas, or paid timer packages.