Free online timer
1 hour timer
Sixty minutes is enough for real progress on work that matters: an exam paper, a hard problem or a chapter. Press start, put your phone away and give the hour to one thing.
- Free
- No account needed
- Chimes when time is up
How to use a 1 hour timer
- Write down the one outcome you want from this hour.
- Get water and anything else you need before you start.
- Press start and keep going until the chime, noting distractions on paper instead of acting on them.
- When the hour is up, take a proper break of at least ten minutes.
What an hour is good for
A full practice exam or timed essay
A long writing session on a thesis or novel
Working through a difficult chapter with notes
A deep work block on your most important project
A workout or yoga session timed end to end
A focused hour of practice on an instrument or skill
Make the hour count
An hour is long enough that how you start decides how it goes. Spend the first minute naming exactly what you will work on, and the hour has a direction before it begins.
If your attention slips halfway, that is normal. Write the distracting thought down, take one breath and go back to the same task. The timer keeps the promise for you, so you do not have to keep checking the clock.
Focus is easier next to someone
Roomie Cafe is the same kind of timer, shared with friends. You see who else is focusing right now and write one line about what you got done when the timer ends. No webcam, nothing to book, free with no session limit.
Questions about the timer
Can I set the timer for one hour exactly?
Yes. This page starts at 1:00:00 and counts down to zero, then chimes.
What if I need a break during the hour?
Press pause. The timer keeps the exact time left and carries on when you resume.
Is an hour too long to study without a break?
Many people can study well for an hour once they are settled. If you lose focus often, try a 50 minute block with a 10 minute break instead.
Is this 1 hour timer free?
Yes. It is free, runs in your browser and does not need an account or an app.