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Free Online Countdown Timer

Set a duration in hours, minutes, and seconds, then start a live countdown that beeps when it reaches zero. Pause, resume, and reset anytime — all in your browser.

Ready
00:05:00

Quick answer

To use a countdown timer, enter how long you want (hours, minutes, seconds) and press Start. The timer counts down once per second and plays an alarm sound when it reaches 00:00:00. This one runs entirely in your browser, keeps counting while the tab is open, and lets you pause, resume, and reset without any sign-up.

Formula & method

The timer converts your hours, minutes, and seconds into a total number of seconds, records the target end time when you press Start, and updates the display from that fixed end time so it stays accurate even if a tick is delayed. When the remaining time hits zero it plays a short beep using the Web Audio API. Pause stops the countdown at the current value; Resume continues from there; Reset clears it.

Examples

Example 1: Five-minute break
Input
0 h, 5 m, 0 s → Start
Result
Counts 05:00 → 00:00, then beeps
Why
A quick break or tea timer; the alarm tells you when the five minutes are up.
Example 2: Focus session
Input
0 h, 25 m, 0 s (Pomodoro)
Result
25-minute countdown
Why
A classic 25-minute focus block; pause if interrupted and resume where you left off.
Example 3: Short rest
Input
0 h, 0 m, 30 s
Result
00:30 → 00:00
Why
Useful for workout intervals or speed rounds where you need a precise 30-second cue.

When to use this tool

  • Timing cooking, tea, workouts, or short breaks with an audible alarm.
  • Running focus or study sessions like the Pomodoro technique.
  • Giving a fixed time limit to a game, quiz, or speech.

Common mistakes

  • Closing or fully backgrounding the tab — the timer needs the page open to keep counting and to play the alarm.
  • Expecting sound without interacting first; browsers require a user action (your Start click) before audio can play.
  • Entering minutes in the seconds box (e.g. 300 seconds instead of 5 minutes) — use the separate hours/minutes/seconds fields.

Frequently asked questions

Does the countdown timer make a sound?

Yes. When it reaches zero it plays a short beep using your browser's built-in audio. Make sure your device volume is up and that you started the timer with a click, which browsers require before audio can play.

Can I pause and resume the timer?

Yes. Press Pause to stop at the current value and Resume to continue from there. Reset clears the timer back to your entered duration.

Will it keep running if I switch tabs?

It keeps counting while the page is open, though some browsers slow timers in background tabs to save power, so keep the tab visible for the most precise alarm.

Is anything uploaded or saved?

No. The timer runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server, and your settings are not stored after you close the page.

What is the maximum time I can set?

You can combine hours, minutes, and seconds for long durations such as several hours. For very long countdowns to a future date, use the Countdown to Date tool instead.

Why did my timer drift by a second?

It anchors to a fixed end time, so it self-corrects and stays accurate to the second even if the browser briefly delays a tick.

Sources & references

External references open in a new tab. We are independent and not affiliated with these organizations.

  • ✓ Free to use
  • ✓ No sign-up required
  • ✓ Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
  • ✓ Formula and method shown above
Last updated: How we calculateReport a correctionDisclaimer

Provided “as is” for general information only — results may be inaccurate, so verify before you rely on them. No warranty; use at your own risk.

Built and reviewed by HIFreeTools against the formula shown above and any authoritative references cited on this page. See our methodology and editorial standards.

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