timer for doing homework

With Pomodoro Timer Online, you will achieve your goals by staying focused and painless in the process. With Background Music , Custom Timer , To Do List , and Desktop Notifications

How does it work?

It works like a 20 minute timer on steroids! designed to study or work without procrastinating. Based on Pomodoro Technique, you can keep focused listening to soft music, checking your to do list, customizing the timer, and taking challenges to stay motivated, all with a clean and aesthetic design.

Who uses the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is used by people who need to focus on their activities to achieve certain goals. Many of your favorite YouTubers , influencers and entrepreneurs are likely to use this technique to be more productive.

The science behind the Pomodoro Technique

The attention span is the ability to concentrate on a single task, the greater our concentration, the easier it will be for us to do it. Studies have estimated that this interval lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How to use the pomodoro technique.

In essence these are the steps but consider that times can change and the app helps you in the adoption process. 😉

• Make a to-do list and get a timer.
• Set the timer for 20 or 25 minutes and focus on one task until the alarm goes off.
• Upon completion of the session, check off a pomodoro and record what you completed.
• Take a 5 minute break to refresh your concentration.
• After 4 pomodoros, take a long 15-minute break.

What to do during pomodoro breaks?

Make sure they are activities that do not exhaust you mentally. Here are 7 ideas for your breaks :

• Do a little stretching routine.
• Get out and sunbathe.
• Listen to one of your favorite songs.
• Make yourself a drink.
• Eat a fruit.
• Do breathing exercises.
• Organize your desk.

Can it be installed on Windows, Mac, Android or PC?

Yes! It can be downloaded and used as a native app with Chrome, Firefox and Safari browsers by adding it to the home screen on smartphones and from the search bar on PC or Desktop (using the install icon ).

Can I get more features?

Yes! For the sake of simplicity, we've tried to keep the basics in addition to these cool features:

• Background music with volume control.
• Default and custom times.
• Challenges and prizes.
• Control of automatic starts.

If you need more features such as control of tasks and their times, teams, projects, etc.

* This web app was inspired by the technique developed by Francesco Cirillo .

🍅 Pomotastic

• {{ item.task }} {{ item.spent || 0 }}

What is Pomotastic?

Pomotastic is a Pomodoro timer online that works right on your desktop or mobile browser. The aim of this web app is to help you focus on your work or study in a more productive way. The Pomodoro Technique is used for that.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that uses focused work intervals called " Pomodoros " to increase productivity and reduce distractions. By breaking your workday into short, 25-minute intervals and taking breaks in between, you can work more efficiently and avoid multitasking. This technique is suitable for any type of work and can help manage procrastination and reduce stress.

Read more about the Pomodoro Technique .

How to use the Pomodoro Timer?

• Choose a task to work on.
• Start the timer for 25 minutes.
• Focus solely on the task for the entire 25 minutes. Avoid any distractions such as social media or email.
• Take a short 5-minute break . Use this time to relax, stretch, or grab a drink.
• Repeat steps 2-4 three more times to complete a full Pomodoro cycle of four 25-minute work intervals.
• After four Pomodoros , take a longer break of 15 minutes to recharge.
• Start the cycle over again until the task is complete.
• Try to work in a distraction-free environment and turn off any notifications on your phone or computer.
• Use the short breaks to rest your mind and recharge , rather than checking social media or emails.
• Prioritize tasks to avoid procrastination.
• Break up big tasks into smaller ones to avoid burnout.
• Review your progress to identify challenges and celebrate successes.
• Take care of your body during breaks to stay energized.
• Use the Pomodoro technique for meetings too.
• Take breaks regularly to prevent burnout and stay focused.
• Celebrate your accomplishments to boost motivation and positivity.
• Use a to-do list to keep track of tasks and progress.
• Set specific goals for each Pomodoro session.
• Avoid multitasking during Pomodoro sessions to maintain focus.

Install PWA

Welcome to our Progressive Web App (PWA) ! It's a website that functions like a mobile app . To install it on your device for quick access, follow these simple steps:

On Android:

• Open Chrome.
• Go to our website.
• Tap the three dots in the upper right.
• Select "Add to Home screen."

On iPhone/iPad:

• Open Safari.
• Tap the share icon (square with an arrow pointing upward).
• Scroll down and select "Add to Home Screen."

On Desktop/Laptop:

Check the address bar for an icon that looks like a plus sign or a downward arrow. Click on it to add our PWA to your browser for easy access.

Now, you'll have our PWA icon on your home screen or browser, giving you easy access to our site with just one tap or click. Enjoy the enhanced experience!

• Set Pomodoro

Online Pomodoro Timer To Boost Your Productivity

What is pomotimer.net.

PomoTimer is a web-based customizable Pomodoro timer that focuses on task completion, time management, and Study. PomoTimer aims to transform people's lives, making them more productive, focused, and innovative.

What is Pomodoro Technique?

Pomodoro Technique (also called kitchen timer and Tomato Timer) is a time management technique developed by Francesco Cirillo. The Pomodoro technique provides more productive way to focus on different tasks. The Pomodoro method breaks time into intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short and long breaks. Each interval is known as Pomodoro, from the Italian word for 'tomato,' after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a university student. Wikipedia

How to use Online Pomodoro Timer?

• Add tasks with the title and description
• Customize Pomodoro and breaks if needed (By default, pomodoro=25 minutes, short=5 minutes, long=15 minutes)
• Select a task to work on
• Start timer and focus on your task
• Take a short break when the alarm ring
• Iterate until you finish the task

Can PomoTimer.net be used for Study?

Yes, This is the best timer to focus on your projects, assignments, studies, and regular tasks. Yes, This is the best study timer to focus on your Study.

Who invented the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro technique, also called the kitchen timer developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s. The main focus is to divide the timer into short intervals for more productivity.

• Easy to Use
• User-friendly and attractive interface with high-quality graphics
• Desktop and Mobile friendly interface
• Ability to pause and play timer
• Customize Pomodoro Timer based on your preferences
• Audio notification at the completion of Pomodoro
• Easy task management system(Add, Delete, Update, Search)
• Save your task history
• Visual your progress using a graph
• Light and Dark Mode
• Best for work timer and study timer
• Available on Play and Apple Stores (Coming Soon)

What do you think of this tool?

Drag Tasks Here!

Interrupters

Aesthetic Pomodoro Timer

Choose a theme to get started:, suburban evening, white noise, winter forest, other durations.

Nesto Pomodoro Timer

What is the nesto timer.

Nesto is a convenient Pomodoro timer with embedded music, tasks and notifications for desktop and mobile devices. Save your tasks by signing up. This app enables you to deeply focus on your tasks, be it creating, studying or working. Uninterrupted music allows you to get in the “state of flow” even in a noisy environment.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

Pomodoro Technique is a productivity practice designed to bring your fullest attention to the current task and accomplish it in the fastest and most creative way.

The term Pomodoro is translated as Tomato from Italian. Francesco Cirillo, who developed the technique in 1980s, used a tomato-shaped timer to slice his work in intervals of 25 minutes.

How the Nesto timer allows you to use the Pomodoro technique?

• Add a task. Click on it to select it for Pomodoro tracking. The actual time for the task doesn’t matter - it can be longer or shorter. The key is to separate it into Pomodoros.
• Choose the background music playlist. You can change the playlist or turn it off at any time.
• Start the Pomodoro timer by pressing Play button.
• Focus for 25 minutes with no interruptions.
• When timer expires and you receive notification sound, prepare to take a short break of 5 minutes. During this time, walk around, drink water and/or exercise.
• After the short break ends, start the Pomodoro timer and repeat the steps.
• Every four Pomodoros, take a long break of 15 minutes. During this time, do or think about anything you want. Tip: You can think about your task on a higher, strategic level to gain new insights.
• Login to save progress
• Task list to track Pomodoros by task
• Support for mobile and desktop devices
• Background music during the Pomodoro phase
• Audio notifications at the end each timer phase
• Dynamic background images for your mood
• Customizable timer settings

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do i play music with blocked screen on mobile.

The background music in the app is powered by YouTube. Therefore, use these instructions against Nesto.cc website to get background music playing on the blocked screen.

Music player

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The Pomodoro Technique

Beat procrastination and improve your focus one pomodoro at a time.

• Introduction

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

What is the history of the pomodoro technique, three pomodoro technique rules for maximum productivity, does the pomodoro technique work, quick tips for pomodoro-ing, how to pomodoro with todoist.

Todoist makes the world’s #1 task manager to organize your work and life. Tell me more

The secret to effective time management is...thinking in tomatoes rather than hours. It may seem silly initially, but millions of people swear by the life-changing power of the Pomodoro Technique. (Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. 🍅)

This popular time management method asks you to alternate pomodoros — focused work sessions — with frequent short breaks to promote sustained concentration and stave off mental fatigue.

Here at Todoist, we know the daily grind can be exhausting. That’s why we’re all about offering ways to help you live your most productive, stress-free life. The Pomodoro Technique is one of the most effective ways to maximize productivity and minimize overwhelm.

The Pomodoro Technique may be for you if you…

Find little distractions often derail the whole workday

Consistently work past the point of optimal productivity

Have lots of open-ended work that could take unlimited amounts of time (e.g., studying for an exam, researching a blog post, etc.)

Are overly optimistic when it comes to how much you can get done in a day (aren't we all 🙃)

Enjoy gamified goal-setting

Really like tomatoes

But because everyone learns differently — and we know some of you prefer to watch instead of read — we've made a companion video for the Pomodoro Technique . Check out that video below, or continue reading for a deeper dive.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method in which you do focused work during 25-minute intervals — known as pomodoros — and take a five-minute break. We love this method because it:

Improves focus

Minimizes distractions

Prevents burnout

Promotes accountability

Boosts motivation

Which is why perfectionists and procrastinators will find it useful. It’s easier to commit to 25 minutes of work at a time than a whole afternoon of non-stop work.

In this article, we'll refer to both the Pomodoro technique and the Pomodoro method, which are exactly the same thing.

Now that you understand what the Pomodoro method is and more importantly what a Pomodoro is, let’s hear the history of it — and find out what’s up with all the tomato timer references.

The Pomodoro Technique was invented in the late 1980s by Francesco Cirillo, a university student. Like many students overwhelmed with assignments and intense study schedules, Cirillo struggled to complete tasks without feeling burnout.

Believing that any progress is good progress, he challenged himself to just ten minutes of focus. To commit to this challenge, he used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, and the Pomodoro Technique was born.

Even though Cirillo went on to write a 160-page book on the Pomodoro Technique (The Life Changing Time Management System), what prompts people to try the Pomodoro method is its simplicity.

But how does Pomodoro work?

Here’s the basic step-by-step to start applying the Pomodoro Technique today:

Get your to-do list and a timer (actual tomato timer optional - any timer will do!)

Set your timer for 25 minutes, and focus on a single task until the timer rings.

When your session ends, mark off one Pomodoro and record what you completed.

Then enjoy a five-minute break.

After four pomodoros, take a longer, more restorative 15-30 minute break.

Better yet, the Pomodoro method is adaptable. You don't have to stick to 25-minute intervals. You can customize your pomodoros to fit your individual needs — whether that's shorter bursts for challenging tasks or longer focus periods for deep work .

The 25-minute work sprints are the core of the method, but a Pomodoro practice also includes three rules for getting the most out of each interval:

Break down complex projects. If a task requires more than four pomodoros, it needs to be divided into smaller, actionable steps. Sticking to this rule will help ensure you make clear progress on your projects.

Small tasks go together. Any tasks that will take less than one Pomodoro should be combined with other simple tasks. For example, "write rent check," "set vet appointment," and "read Pomodoro article" could go together in one session.

Once a Pomodoro is set, it must ring. The Pomodoro is an indivisible unit of time and can not be broken, especially not to check incoming emails, team chats, or text messages. Any ideas, tasks, or requests that come up should be noted to return to later. A digital task manager like Todoist is a great place for these, but pen and paper will do, too.

In the event of an unavoidable disruption, take your five-minute break and start again. Cirillo recommends that you track interruptions (internal or external) as they occur and reflect on how to avoid them in your next session.

The rule applies even if you finish your task before the timer goes off. Use the rest of your time for overlearning , or improving skills or scope of knowledge. For example, you could spend the extra time reading up on professional journals or researching networking opportunities.

Keep an "Overlearning" project in Todoist with a list of tasks you can quickly choose from the next time you find yourself with pomodoro time to spare.

If the system seems simple, that’s because it is. The Pomodoro method is all about getting your mind in the zone to finish your tasks.

Yes, the arbitrary silliness of using a tomato as a stand-in for units of time really helps people get things done . What makes the Pomodoro Technique so effective is that it builds consistency. It helps you establish routines and consistent work habits rather than waiting for inspiration to hit.

When you get used to the Pomodoro Technique, you avoid cognitive biases for time management . You stop worrying about the endless list of tasks and start focusing on what you can achieve now. Routines and healthy habits teach you to be kinder to yourself and have a work/rest balance that keeps your brain engaged.

Here are some other benefits of the Pomodoro Technique that make it uniquely suited to boost your productivity.

Makes it easy to just get started

Tim Pychyl, a professor in Carleton University’s Psychology Department and author of Procrastination, Health, and Well-Being , argues that our ability to start procrastinating is directly related to our ability to deal with negative emotions.

It’s uncomfortable to stare down a big task or project — one you may not know how to start. It feels overwhelming, and suddenly, everything else looks more appealing. Checking emails, scrolling through social media, and even cleaning your desk. You start procrastinating without realizing it because you’re faced with a problem you don’t want to deal with.

Luckily, there’s an effective way to break out this avoidance cycle:

👉 Shrink whatever you're putting off down to a tiny, unintimidating first step.

For example, instead of sitting down to write an entire novel, sit down to write a chapter. Still feeling that knot in your stomach? Try writing for just ten minutes. Doing something small for a short period is easier to face than taking on a big project all at once.

This is precisely what the Pomodoro method asks you to do: break down your projects or goals into manageable tasks that only take 25 minutes each. This approach keeps you motivated and focused on the next thing you need to do rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand.

Don't worry about the outcome — just take it one Pomodoro at a time.

Find out which productivity method fits you best

Get a personalized recommendation based on your workstyle and goals.

Combats distractions

The constant stream of information pouring in via emails, team chats, and social media notifications demands more and more of our attention. And if you’ve ever been interrupted while in a flow state, you know how difficult regaining focus can be.

While it would be nice to blame technology for everything, Gloria Mark , a Professor of Informatics at the University of California — with a PhD in psychology from Columbia University — suggests half of all workday distractions are self-inflicted. Meaning we pull ourselves out of focus.

We often find ourselves justifying these distractions with thoughts like:

“Should I work on this other task instead?”

“Taking a break now seems good”

“I’m going to check this email real quick”

“I have to reply to that one friend I left on read…”

“I’m craving some boba tea right now, I should go get it”

Those small interruptions add up! It isn’t just the time you lose on distractions… it also takes energy to refocus your attention. After switching gears, our minds can linger over the previous task for over 20 minutes until we regain our full concentration. Indulging the impulse to check TikTok "just for a minute" can turn into 20 minutes of trying to get back on task.

The Pomodoro Technique helps you resist all of those self-interruptions and re-train your brain to focus. Each Pomodoro is dedicated to one task, and each break is a chance to reset and bring your attention back to what you should be working on.

Helps you track time

When planning out our future projects, most of us fall victim to the planning fallacy . We tend to underestimate the time needed to complete future tasks, even when we know similar tasks have taken longer in the past. Your present bias pictures your future self operating under entirely different circumstances and time restraints.

The Pomodoro Technique is a valuable weapon against the planning fallacy. When you start working in short, timed sessions, time is no longer an abstract concept but a concrete event. It becomes a Pomodoro — a unit of both time and effort. Distinct from the idea of 25 minutes of general "work," the Pomodoro is an event that measures focus on a single, important task (or several simple, important tasks).

The concept of time changes from a negative — something that has been lost — to a positive representation of events accomplished. This Pomodoro method effect is what Cirillo calls "inverting time" because it changes the perception of time passing from an abstract source of anxiety to an exact measure of productivity.

Writer Dean Kissick describes how his perception of time changed while using the Pomodoro method for time management:

"Now that my breaks are short and fleeting, I think more carefully about what I’d like to do with them, and I’ve found it’s quite different from the unimaginative temptations I would otherwise default to (flopping on the sofa, scrolling on my phone, becoming annoyed). Instead, I’ll make a sandwich, do a quick French lesson, reply to a few texts, have a shower, go to the laundromat; and such humdrum activities, now that they’re restricted, have become sources of great pleasure.”

When you use the Pomodoro technique, you have a clear measurement of your finite time and your efforts, allowing you to reflect and plan your days more accurately and efficiently. With practice, you can accurately assess how many pomodoros a task will take and build more consistent work habits.

Gamifies your productivity

Every Pomodoro provides an opportunity to improve upon the last. Cirillo argues that “concentration and consciousness lead to speed, one Pomodoro at a time.”

The Pomodoro technique is approachable because it’s more about consistency than perfection. Each session is a fresh start. You make the system work for you by:

Reevaluating your goals

Challenging yourself to focus

Limiting distractions

Tracking your progress

Achieving goals

Getting rewards (the little breaks!)

Another way to gamify your productivity is to set a goal to add an extra Pomodoro each day. This helps you motivate yourself to build on your success.

You can also challenge yourself to finish a big task within a specific number of pomodoros. Try setting a goal number of pomodoros for each day without breaking the chain . Thinking in tomatoes rather than hours is just more fun.

While the 25/5 minute work/break intervals are the heart of the Pomodoro Technique, there are a few things you can do to make your pomodoros more effective:

Plan out your pomodoros in advance

Take 15 minutes at the beginning of your workday (or at the end if you're planning for the next day) to plan out your pomodoros. Take your to-do list for the day and note how many pomodoros each task will take.

Remember, tasks that will take more than 5 pomodoros should be broken down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Smaller tasks, like responding to emails, can be batched together in a single Pomodoro.

If you work an 8-hour workday, make sure your pomodoros for the day don't go over sixteen. If they do, postpone the least urgent/least important tasks for later in the week.

Build overflow pomodoros into your day

While an 8-hour workday technically leaves room for sixteen pomodoros, it's best to build in a buffer of 2-4 "overflow" pomodoros. Use your overflow pomodoros for tasks that take longer than planned or for unexpected tasks that come up during the day.

If you don't end up needing them, use the extra pomodoros for learning or lower-priority tasks that always get pushed to the end of your to-do list. It's much less stressful to end the day with pomodoros to spare than to overschedule yourself and get behind.

Over time, you'll get a better sense of how many high-quality pomodoros you're actually capable of completing in a day. It's ok if it's not a full sixteen. The vast majority of people aren't productive for the full 8 hours of a workday, and those who think they are probably haven't been paying close enough attention. When it comes to pomodoros, challenge yourself, but keep the focus on quality over quantity.

Experiment with the length of your pomodoros

For some types of work that require extended periods in a creative "flow" state — think coding, writing, composing, etc. — 25 minutes may be too short. Try extended work sessions with longer breaks.

A DeskTime study from 2014 found that a 52-minute focus and 17-minute break is the perfect balance. However, in 2021 they ran the study again to see what’s changed. It was found that the more productive individuals work 112 minutes and take a 26-minute break. There’s no strict rule here, you decide what length works for you.

For tasks that you've been putting off for one reason or another, 25 minutes might be too long. If you're feeling a lot of mental resistance, or you just can't get yourself to stay focused for 25 minutes, try a 15-, 10-, or even 5-minute Pomodoro.

For most people, the sweet spot will be in the 25-50 minute range for peak concentration with a 5-15 minute break. Try mixing your intervals based on your available energy, the type of work, and how much a task makes you want to bury your head in cute puppy videos on YouTube instead.

Get away from screens during breaks

Not all breaks are created equal.

If your Pomodoro work sessions happen on your computer, don't just switch over to X or Instagram when the timer goes off. Give your eyes and brain a break from screens — that means your phone, too! Stand up, move around, stretch, go outside, do a mini meditation, grab a snack, or watch birds out the window. If you work from home, fold some clothes or clear off the kitchen table.

Whatever you do, your five-minute break will be much more mentally refreshing if you escape the glowing hypnosis of your computer or phone.

Use a pomodoro timer to enforce your pomodoro breaks

Humans are fallible. No matter how motivated you are at the start of the day, it's really hard to stick to your pomodoros. Hold yourself accountable with a break reminder app.

The best ones let you customize how long your work sessions are, how obtrusive you want your reminders to be, and how strictly you want your breaks enforced. Some will lock you out of your computer for the duration of your breaks. The beauty of using a Pomodoro app over a tomato timer is that you get to choose the sound, tomato timer rings aren't the best sounds...

We recommend BreakTimer (for both Windows and Mac.)

So you're convinced the Pomodoro Technique is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now, it's time to put the method into action. Here's how to plan your pomodoros with Todoist:

Plan and schedule your tasks

At the start of each day (or the night before), review all your active projects and one-off tasks and schedule everything you want to accomplish for "Today."

Estimate how many pomodoros each task will take. Add tomato emojis to the end of the task name to indicate your Pomodoro estimate.

Hold down the Alt/Option key while clicking on a task to quickly edit the task name without opening the full task view.

Break anything bigger than four pomodoros down into smaller sub-tasks . For example, a project titled "redesign website" might need a more Pomodoro-sized sub-task like "find 5 example websites as inspiration."

Now, when you open your Today view, you'll see your scheduled tasks and how many pomodoros each will take. Drag and drop your tasks to reflect the order in which you'll work on them.

If you have more than 12-14 pomodoros (remember that buffer!), postpone some of your tasks to the next day or later in the week. If you have 10 tasks you want to do in a day, you may find it helpful to schedule only half of the list and to assign an "@on_deck" label to indicate the tasks you'll get to if you have time.

You may want to add tasks you do every day — or even multiple times a day — as recurring tasks. For example, you might have a task called "Get to inbox zero" scheduled for "every weekday".

To add recurring due dates in Todoist simply turn on your Smart date recognition by clicking on your profile picture, selecting Settings > General, and flipping the switch. Now every time you use keywords like “every day,” “every week,” or “every month,” — when naming your task — Todoist will automatically set these recurring dates for you.

Work on your projects

After scheduling your tasks, you'll start your day with a clear plan of what you'll work on during each Pomodoro. You can use the timer on your phone, a physical kitchen timer, or any of the many digital Pomodoro timer applications that integrate with Todoist, such as:

Toggl track

Once that’s done, you can choose your Pomodoro timer for each task.

When the timer is up, it will automatically start timing your break, but not without an alert. You should stop working at this point.

Stay focused by adding any ideas or requests that come in as new tasks in your Todoist Inbox. When your Pomodoro timer runs out, you can review the list, schedule urgent tasks for a later Pomodoro, and file away less urgent things for another day.

Build your concentration muscle by making your Pomodoro planning a daily routine. Add a task in Todoist for the same time each morning to remind yourself to plan out your pomodoros. Challenge yourself to hit a certain number of pomodoros each day, and take time at the end to reflect on what went well and how you could improve your focus in the future.

Using the Pomodoro method is like having a superpower to finally tackle your to-do list without the guilt and anxiety. Instead of “pushing through” and overworking yourself to exhaustion, take little breaks to keep your mind alert.

And if you think this tomato method is too simple and doesn’t make a difference, run a little experiment and try it for a week! It may be one of the simplest productivity methods , but that doesn’t make it easy. Remember, humans are fallible.

The good news is, that if you stick to the Pomodoro Technique long enough, you’ll train your self-discipline and will feel that smug satisfaction of a day not only well planned but well executed.

Laura Scroggs

Laura is a freelance writer, PhD candidate, and pug mom living in Minneapolis, MN.

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Want more in-depth productivity advice?

You don‘t need a to-do list app. But the right one helps.

Todoist is simple to use yet flexible enough to fit whichever workflow you settle on.

What is Pomodoro Timer?

Online pomodoro timer.

TomatoTimers is a customizable and easy to use looping pomodoro timer to boost your efficiency.

About Pomodoro Technique

Pomodoro™ Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. This technique use timer to break down works into a set of intervals separated by breaks. Pomodoro technique increases productivity by taking short scheduled breaks regularly.

How to use Pomodoro/ Tomato timers

• Decide task to be done set timers to 25 minutes for one "Pomodoro"
• Work on task until timer is complete
• After timer completion, put a checkmark on to-do list
• Take a 5 minutes short break
• After four "Pomodoro" take a long break
• Repeat to step 1

USE THE LOOP BUTTON TO DO STEP 1 UNTIL STEP 5 IN A ROW

Pomodoro™ and Pomodoro Technique® are registered trademarks of Francesco Cirillo. This web app is not affiliated with Francesco Cirillo.

ENTER CUSTOM TIMER

Task manager.

The 5 best Pomodoro timer apps in 2024

The Pomodoro Technique is one of the most deceptively simple and effective productivity tools I've ever used. It stops you from procrastinating or getting distracted, so you can just get things done—and all it takes is enough commitment to start a timer.

While any timer (or timer app) will work for the Pomodoro Technique, a dedicated Pomodoro app can make the already simple technique even simpler by automatically alternating between work and break periods, tracking how many different periods you've completed, and generally just smoothing out the hassle of winding up a manual timer or constantly checking the clock. So, let's look at the best Pomodoro timers.

The 5 best Pomodoro timer apps

What is the pomodoro technique.

The Pomodoro Technique sounds too basic to work, but it's surprisingly effective. Here's what you do: You set a timer for 25 minutes, work until it's up, then take a five-minute break—and repeat the whole process three more times. After that, you take a 15- to 30-minute break, depending on how you feel. And that's one full Pomodoro cycle.

I've used the Pomodoro Technique (or variations on it that we'll look at later) for close to 15 years. While it didn't single-handedly get me through my college degrees, it helped me get better grades with less effort. As a professional writer, I use it daily to get work done without dawdling. I'm using it right now to update this article.

What makes the Pomodoro Technique so effective is how easy it is to implement. The work blocks are just 25 minutes long. That's long enough that you can stay engaged and make real progress, without feeling like it's a grind, while the five-minute breaks, which never feel far off, give you a chance to freely check Instagram or look at some emails without overly disrupting your workflow. I'm just four minutes into my current work block, but I know I only have to wait 21 more minutes until my next cup of coffee. Even I can keep typing that long.

But perhaps best of all, because you only have to work for 25 minutes, even when you don't feel like it, you can normally convince yourself to start a timer, do one work session, and see how you get on. By the time you're halfway through that first block, you'll normally have found your groove and be willing to keep going.

Francesco Cirillo developed the Pomodoro Technique in the 1980s when he was in college in Italy and struggling to study. He kept getting distracted and losing focus (and he didn't even have Instagram or TikTok), so he went looking for a way to keep his mind on track. Inspiration came from a small tomato-shaped kitchen timer. Cirillo started by setting it for 10 minutes and trying to just work for the 10 minutes until the timer rang. And it helped—he was instantly more productive, at least when the timer was running.

Over the past few decades, the technique has become more popular. The basic process is normally described as something like this:

Decide what you're going to do. Pick a task that you think should take roughly 25 minutes to accomplish. Bigger tasks will need to be split into smaller chunks. For example, for me, each section of this article is getting assigned one or two 25-minute chunks, depending on how long it is and how much of the information I need to update.

When the timer rings, you've done one Pomodoro. Take a five-minute break to clear your head. You can stretch, get coffee, or check social media. Basically, any of the things you're not allowed to do when you're working are now fair game. Use the timer to keep yourself honest.

After a total of four Pomodoros, take a longer break. Somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes is normally right; it depends on how you feel. Grab lunch, read a book, or go for a quick walk.

Start another Pomodoro cycle. Keep going until your work or study session is done. Most people will be able to accomplish two full cycles, but three or four are possible if you have a lot to get done.

Marvel at how productive you've been.

So, if the formality of the Pomodoro Technique turns you off, don't worry. Cirillo discovered it with trial and error. I suggest you find the time blocks that work best for you the same way.

What makes a great Pomodoro timer app?

How we evaluate and test apps.

The key to the Pomodoro Technique is its simplicity. You don't need eight inboxes, three filing cabinets, a virtual assistant, and a subscription to Bloomberg to get it to work. Any timer, whether it's digital or analog, will do. Still, the best Pomodoro timer apps bring a little bit more to the system and make it easier to apply in the real world.

The best Pomodoro timers offer more than the stopwatch app on your phone. There's no point downloading another app if all it does is replicate your phone's existing features. Every app here had to offer a bit more. Some automate the process of swapping between work and break periods; others track how you spend your time or sync between your different devices. One of my favorites is simply a nice browser app, so you can leave your smartphone in another room. 

The best apps are as simple as the Pomodoro Technique to use, nice to look at, and don't add any extra distractions. The Pomodoro Technique is about removing friction, not adding it. A timer shouldn't be a burden to set. Any developer can build a timer app, and there are a lot of poorly-thought-out, half-finished, and otherwise awful apps out there—none of them are on this list, I promise. 

The best timers are productivity process agnostic —you can use them on their own or with whatever other apps you like. The Pomodoro Technique is a low-level technique you can use on top of any other productivity practices. You probably already have a to-do list and a calendar, so you don't need a Pomodoro clock that includes a half-baked tomato-themed to-do list and a bright red calendar. You're not going to move everything across anyway.

The best timer apps let you develop your own personal system. Cirillo settled on the four sessions of 25 minutes with a five-minute break through trial and error. As convenient as they are for students struggling to study, they're not magic productivity numbers. As you use the Pomodoro Technique, you're likely to find that you want to make some tweaks. I personally prefer much longer work blocks when I'm writing because I can get into more of a flow. For boring admin stuff or balancing my books, I'll sometimes go as short as 15-minute blocks. 

Any Pomodoro tracker that made the list had to be up to date and under active development or maintenance. These kinds of apps seem to be a super common practice project for independent developers, so there are a lot of apps out there that haven't been maintained. While they might still work, they're likely to break in the future.

To put together this list, I've checked out almost 40 different Pomodoro Technique timers (and productivity timers claiming they were Pomodoro timers) over the past four years. I've been using the system for well over a decade, so I've developed a pretty deep understanding of how these apps can help—or hinder—your productivity. 

To test things, I used any apps that looked like they could be a good fit for this list as I went about my work life, writing and researching articles. I used every app for at least a few Pomodoro cycles, and in the case of one app that I personally use, over a thousand Pomodoro cycles. After more than four years of testing, here are the best Pomodoro apps around.

The best Pomodoro timer apps at a glance

The best Pomodoro app for a simple web-based Pomodoro timer

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Pomodor pros:

A quick, easy-to-use, and great looking web app 

Pomodor cons:

Not much more advanced than a stopwatch 

If you're able to ignore the constant distractions, it's hard to beat the convenience of the timer app on your smartphone. But Pomodor comes close, and if you're prone to looking at your phone every time it flashes, it's the much better option. 

Pomdor is a great-looking, minimalist, web-based Pomodoro timer that's perfect for anyone just curious to try out the Pomodoro Technique or who only occasionally needs a Pomodoro app (it even has a Dark Mode). Just hit the Play button, and it'll start cycling through full Pomodoro sessions—with the countdown on display in the URL title bar.

There are lots of timer websites out there, but Pomodor stands out from the mediocre masses for a couple of reasons. The most important: you can customize the length of the work and break periods as well as the number of Pomodoros you do before a long break, so you can fit it into how you like to work. Just go to Settings in the left sidebar to customize it all. 

Really, as a default go-to timer that you don't need to install anything to use, Pomodor is perfect. There are better, more fully-featured timers available if that's what you're looking for. But for anyone who's just Pomodoro-curious, Pomodor is easy to recommend.

Pomodor price: Free, with donations to the site designer recommended

The best Pomodoro app for a shareable web-based Pomodoro timer

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Marinara Timer pros:

Shareable timer makes it easy to work with other people 

Surprisingly customizable timers, so you can use it for non-Pomodoro things 

Marinara Timer cons:

Very dated web app

Marinara Timer is as simple as it comes: you don't even need an account to share timers. When you open the website, you're presented with three timer options: Pomodoro, Custom, and Kitchen. Pomodoro is the normal 25/5 setup with a 15-minute break after four rounds; Custom lets you set up whatever work/break/rest periods you and your team need; Kitchen is just a simple timer. 

Where Marinara Timer really stands out (other than the questionable design) is that you can share timers. Each one has a unique URL that you can send to your coworkers in other locations. That way, everyone can work off the same countdown. You can customize the link text (just click Manage ) and even create an administrator link, so other people can reset the timer as needed. 

Marinara Timer price: Free

The best mobile Pomodoro app

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Forest pros:

The utterly charming tree-based conceit genuinely can make you productive 

Deep Focus Mode can stop you from getting distracted by your smartphone 

Forest cons:

Can be slow to use, and the app itself can be a bit distracting

If your smartphone is your biggest source of distraction, Forest is a clever—and very cute—way to fix it. 

Forest's cutesy image belies some powerful functionality. You can tag your work periods by what you're doing, and the analytics track when you're most productive. It even provides trends, and if you get your friends or coworkers on board, you can compete to see who's most productive—or work together to plant trees. On iPhone, it also supports Live Activities, so you can see a timer countdown on your lock screen.

Forest isn't strictly a Pomodoro timer—you can focus for as long as you want, and there's a conspicuous absence of tomato-related puns and imagery—but it defaults to the 25/5 split (though you will need to manually take breaks). Still, of all the smartphone timers I considered, it's the one that really stood apart (like a mighty oak?) and was different enough from the built-in apps that it's worth recommending. I also like that Deep Focus Mode stops you from using your phone as anything but a timer.

Forest price: $3.99 on iOS; free on Android with ads

The best Pomodoro app for Mac users

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Session pros:

The most over-the-top (in a good way) Pomodoro timer around 

Syncs timers between your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch 

Session cons:

Comically expensive for a timer

Session is an absolutely ridiculous app. The designer has basically set out to make the best possible Pomodoro timer for Apple devices—and pulled it off. Let's talk features. 

Finally, on top of all that, it dares to be mindful: each session starts with a quick bit of mindful breathing, and you're prompted to take notes and reflect on how productive your day has been. Session is as feature-complete and overbuilt as any Pomodoro app can be. 

Honestly, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I've used Session almost daily since I first tested it last year. While it's wildly expensive for a Pomodoro timer, if you're paid for the work you do, not the time you spend doing it, I really recommend it.

Session price: Free basic app; from $4.99/month for Monthly Pro. 

Mac users have quite a few other good, though pricey, options:

The best time-tracking Pomodoro app

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Toggl Track pros:

Integrates with Toggl's other time-tracking and invoicing tools 

Pomodoro timer doesn't feel like an afterthought, despite not being a major feature 

Toggl Track cons:

Way more than most people need

Create detailed Google Calendar events for new Toggl Track time entries

Create Google Sheets rows for every new time entry in Toggl Track

Create new Notion database items from new Toggl Track time entries

Other timer options.

By the very nature of this list, I was focusing on apps that either explicitly or tacitly embraced the principles of Francesco Cirillo's Pomodoro Technique. One of my criteria was that it was primarily a timer app, rather than an app with a timer tacked on. That meant some good timing options didn't make the list because, if I had to review every app that has a stopwatch, this article would have never been written, no matter how diligently I applied the Pomodoro method. Among the better options that I haven't otherwise featured are:

Is the Pomodoro Technique for you?

Remember, the best approach to boosting your productivity is to experiment—both with tools and techniques—to find a system that works perfectly for you. The Pomodoro Technique can be a great base to build from, but don't be afraid to put your own spin on it.

Related reading:

Originally published in March 2017 by Sean Kennedy, this post has also had contributions from Jessica Greene and Jennifer Allen. It was most recently updated by Harry Guinness in March 2024.

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Harry Guinness

Harry Guinness is a writer and photographer from Dublin, Ireland. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Lifehacker, the Irish Examiner, and How-To Geek. His photos have been published on hundreds of sites—mostly without his permission.

• Time tracking
• Personal productivity
• Task management & to-do lists

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How to Plan a Homework Schedule

Last Updated: June 28, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Ronitte Libedinsky, MS . Ronitte Libedinsky is an Academic Tutor and the Founder of Brighter Minds SF, a San Francisco, California based company that provides one-on-one and small group tutoring. Specializing in tutoring mathematics (pre-algebra, algebra I/II, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus) and science (chemistry, biology), Ronitte has over 10 years of experience tutoring to middle school, high school, and college students. She also tutors in SSAT, Terra Nova, HSPT, SAT, and ACT test prep. Ronitte holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MS in Chemistry from Tel Aviv University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 480,214 times.

It feels like homework never stops getting piled on, and keeping track of it all can feel a little chaotic. That’s where a homework schedule comes in. With a good schedule, you won’t have to worry about missing homework assignments or not having enough time to finish them, and it’s surprisingly easy to put one together. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through what to do step-by-step below!

Setting Up a Homework Schedule

Creating a Homework Space

Understanding What Needs To Get Done

• The subject or course in which the work is assigned (for example, Spanish , algebra , French or English )
• Know what you're expected to hand in or do and ask if you do not understand (for example, turn in an essay , develop a PowerPoint presentation, or take a test.)
• The details of your assignments (for example, double-spaced or single-spaced, blue ink or black).
• Page numbers (which pages you need to read, study, or refer to complete your assignment.)
• Due date of the assignment.

Getting All of Your Homework Done

• To solve this problem, if you cannot meet all the deadlines, use a static priority rate-monotonic policy. Find the course that releases new homework the most frequently, and list it the highest (do the work first), and so forth. This is mathematically optimal among all static-priority scheduling policies. In other words, if ANY static priority scheme can meet all the deadlines, the rate-monotonic static priority scheme will meet all the deadlines, too. When the static priority scheme misses deadlines, it is deterministic - the lowest priority class assignments will be skipped, so it behaves predictably when you are overloaded. If certain assignments have the same due date, then start with the one(s) that are hardest or will take the longest.

• If you have a five-page English paper due on Friday, evenly spread the total amount of hours you believe it is going to take to complete the paper between each day.
• If you have multiple assignments to complete in one night, it may be helpful to start with the most challenging on and leave the easier ones for later.
• Reader Poll: We asked 318 wikiHow readers about how they organize their schoolwork, and 49% of them said that they tackle the most difficult topics first, while they have the most energy . [Take Poll]

Homework Planner Template

Expert Q&A

Reader videos.

• Avoid distractions such as TV, video games, phone conversation, or surfing the internet. You must fully devote your schedule to doing this. That means turning off all electronics except your lamp , clock , and room light, and, if needed, your computer. You may even want to turn off your phone. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Try writing reminders on sticky-notes about your assignment due dates or important information you really need to remember. Put these sticky notes in a place you regularly go to in your house (such as your homework area, bedroom, or closet), so that you'll see them and be reminded.
• If you're having a really hard time concentrating, take a short break (even if it isn't your schedule break time). Even taking a walk outside for ten minutes or grabbing a quick snack from the kitchen can help you reset.
• If music with lyrics distracts you, don't try to listen to it while you do homework. Consider playing white noise or instrumental music instead to help you focus.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/SettingUpaHomeworkSchedule.aspx
• ↑ https://childmind.org/article/strategies-to-make-homework-go-more-smoothly/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ Ronitte Libedinsky, MS. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.
• ↑ https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/learning-at-home/homework-study-skills/homework-strategies
• ↑ https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/6-proven-ways-to-make-new-habits-stick.html
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/201203/how-prevent-procrastination

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Strategies to make homework go more smoothly.

Routines and incentive systems to help kids succeed

Writer: Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP

Clinical Experts: Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP , Karol Espejo, LCSW

Here is the best guide to helping kids do homework successfully that we’ve seen, published by the National Association of School Psychologists on their website, NASPonline.org . Our thanks to NASP for sharing it with us.

There are two key strategies parents can draw on to reduce homework hassles. The first is to establish clear routines around homework, including when and where homework gets done and setting up daily schedules for homework. The second is to build in rewards or incentives to use with children for whom “good grades” is not a sufficient reward for doing homework.

Homework Routines

Tasks are easiest to accomplish when tied to specific routines. By establishing daily routines for homework completion, you will not only make homework go more smoothly, but you will also be fostering a sense of order your child can apply to later life, including college and work.

Step 1. Find a location in the house where homework will be done. The right location will depend on your child and the culture of your family. Some children do best at a desk in their bedroom. It is a quiet location, away from the hubbub of family noise. Other children become too distracted by the things they keep in their bedroom and do better at a place removed from those distractions, like the dining room table. Some children need to work by themselves. Others need to have parents nearby to help keep them on task and to answer questions when problems arise. Ask your child where the best place is to work. Both you and your child need to discuss pros and cons of different settings to arrive at a mutually agreed upon location.

Step 2. Set up a homework center. Once you and your child have identified a location, fix it up as a home office/homework center. Make sure there is a clear workspace large enough to set out all the materials necessary for completing assignments. Outfit the homework center with the kinds of supplies your child is most likely to need, such as pencils, pens, colored markers, rulers, scissors, a dictionary and thesaurus, graph paper, construction paper, glue and cellophane tape, lined paper, a calculator, spell checker, and, depending on the age and needs of your child, a computer or laptop. If the homework center is a place that will be used for other things (such as the dining room table), then your child can keep the supplies in a portable crate or bin. If possible, the homework center should include a bulletin board that can hold a monthly calendar on which your child can keep track of longterm assignments. Allowing children some leeway in decorating the homework center can help them feel at home there, but you should be careful that it does not become too cluttered with distracting materials.

Step 3. Establish a homework time. Your child should get in the habit of doing homework at the same time every day. The time may vary depending on the individual child. Some children need a break right after school to get some exercise and have a snack. Others need to start homework while they are still in a school mode (i.e., right after school when there is still some momentum left from getting through the day). In general, it may be best to get homework done either before dinner or as early in the evening as the child can tolerate. The later it gets, the more tired the child becomes and the more slowly the homework gets done.

Step 4. Establish a daily homework schedule. In general, at least into middle school, the homework session should begin with your sitting down with your child and drawing up a homework schedule. You should review all the assignments and make sure your child understands them and has all the necessary materials. Ask your child to estimate how long it will take to complete each assignment. Then ask when each assignment will get started. If your child needs help with any assignment , then this should be determined at the beginning so that the start times can take into account parent availability. A Daily Homework Planner is included at the end of this handout and contains a place for identifying when breaks may be taken and what rewards may be earned.

Incentive Systems

Many children who are not motivated by the enjoyment of doing homework are motivated by the high grade they hope to earn as a result of doing a quality job. Thus, the grade is an incentive, motivating the child to do homework with care and in a timely manner. For children who are not motivated by grades, parents will need to look for other rewards to help them get through their nightly chores. Incentive systems fall into two categories: simple and elaborate.

Simple incentive systems. The simplest incentive system is reminding the child of a fun activity to do when homework is done. It may be a favorite television show, a chance to spend some time with a video or computer game, talking on the telephone or instant messaging, or playing a game with a parent. This system of withholding fun things until the drudgery is over is sometimes called Grandma’s Law because grandmothers often use it quite effectively (“First take out the trash, then you can have chocolate chip cookies.”). Having something to look forward to can be a powerful incentive to get the hard work done. When parents remind children of this as they sit down at their desks they may be able to spark the engine that drives the child to stick with the work until it is done.

Elaborate incentive systems. These involve more planning and more work on the part of parents but in some cases are necessary to address more significant homework problems. More complex incentives systems might include a structure for earning points that could be used to “purchase” privileges or rewards or a system that provides greater reward for accomplishing more difficult homework tasks. These systems work best when parents and children together develop them. Giving children input gives them a sense of control and ownership, making the system more likely to succeed. We have found that children are generally realistic in setting goals and deciding on rewards and penalties when they are involved in the decision-making process.

Building in breaks. These are good for the child who cannot quite make it to the end without a small reward en route. When creating the daily homework schedule, it may be useful with these children to identify when they will take their breaks. Some children prefer to take breaks at specific time intervals (every 15 minutes), while others do better when the breaks occur after they finish an activity. If you use this approach, you should discuss with your child how long the breaks will last and what will be done during the breaks (get a snack, call a friend, play one level on a video game). The Daily Homework Planner includes sections where breaks and end-of-homework rewards can be identified.

Building in choice. This can be an effective strategy for parents to use with children who resist homework. Choice can be incorporated into both the order in which the child agrees to complete assignments and the schedule they will follow to get the work done. Building in choice not only helps motivate children but can also reduce power struggles between parents and children.

Developing Incentive Systems

Step 1. Describe the problem behaviors. Parents and children decide which behaviors are causing problems at homework time. For some children putting homework off to the last minute is the problem; for others, it is forgetting materials or neglecting to write down assignments. Still others rush through their work and make careless mistakes, while others dawdle over assignments, taking hours to complete what should take only a few minutes. It is important to be as specific as possible when describing the problem behaviors. The problem behavior should be described as behaviors that can be seen or heard; for instance, complains about h omework or rushes through homework, making many mistakes are better descriptors than has a bad attitude or is lazy.

Step 2. Set a goal. Usually the goal relates directly to the problem behavior. For instance, if not writing down assignments is the problem, the goal might be: “Joe will write down his assignments in his assignment book for every class.”

Step 3. Decide on possible rewards and penalties. Homework incentive systems work best when children have a menu of rewards to choose from, since no single reward will be attractive for long. We recommend a point system in which points can be earned for the goal behaviors and traded in for the reward the child wants to earn. The bigger the reward, the more points the child will need to earn it. The menu should include both larger, more expensive rewards that may take a week or a month to earn and smaller, inexpensive rewards that can be earned daily. It may also be necessary to build penalties into the system. This is usually the loss of a privilege (such as the chance to watch a favorite TV show or the chance to talk on the telephone to a friend).

Once the system is up and running, and if you find your child is earning more penalties than rewards, then the program needs to be revised so that your child can be more successful. Usually when this kind of system fails, we think of it as a design failure rather than the failure of the child to respond to rewards. It may be a good idea if you are having difficulty designing a system that works to consult a specialist, such as a school psychologist or counselor, for assistance.

Step 4. Write a homework contract. The contract should say exactly what the child agrees to do and exactly what the parents’ roles and responsibilities will be. When the contract is in place, it should reduce some of the tension parents and kids often experience around homework. For instance, if part of the contract is that the child will earn a point for not complaining about homework, then if the child does complain, this should not be cause for a battle between parent and child: the child simply does not earn that point. Parents should also be sure to praise their children for following the contract. It will be important for parents to agree to a contract they can live with; that is, avoiding penalties they are either unable or unwilling to impose (e.g., if both parents work and are not at home, they cannot monitor whether a child is beginning homework right after school, so an alternative contract may need to be written).

We have found that it is a rare incentive system that works the first time. Parents should expect to try it out and redesign it to work the kinks out. Eventually, once the child is used to doing the behaviors specified in the contract, the contract can be rewritten to work on another problem behavior. Your child over time may be willing to drop the use of an incentive system altogether. This is often a long-term goal, however, and you should be ready to write a new contract if your child slips back to bad habits once a system is dropped.

Click here to download the homework planner and incentive sheet .

Frequently Asked Questions

To help homework go more smoothly, e stablish a routine that includes a time and place where it will be done, a planner that lists each assignment, scheduled breaks when some of the work is done, and a reward system for kids who are not motivated by good grades alone.  

Set a good homework routine following these steps: Find a location in the house where homework will be done. Set up a homework center stocked with needed materials . Establish a homework time. Use a daily homework planner so that your child has everything in writing.  

One tool that can make homework go more smoothly i s a Daily Homework Planner , which lists each assignment, how long it should take to complete, and what rewards may be earned for completing each assignment.    

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20 Effective Time Management Strategies and Tools for Students

Teachers can use these too!

One of the most important life skills for anyone to master is time management. Keeping track of everything that we have to do and carving out the time to get it all done can be a real struggle. Try these time management strategies and techniques, plus find helpful tools for staying on track.

General Time Management Strategies

Time management techniques, time management tools.

These time management strategies work for everyone, helping you set goals and prioritize, then set a schedule to get things done.

Visualize the big picture

Use a calendar of some type to lay out all your big-picture goals for a year, month, or week. Include major projects and assignments, as well as school and personal events. This is your place to get an overview of everything that’s on your plate. Keep items to broad descriptions: “History Project” or “Spring Play Opening Night.” You’ll get into the details next.

Break it down

The next step is to take major projects and assignments and break them down into smaller, more manageable parts. This is an incredibly effective way to overcome that feeling of “I’ll never get this all done!” It also prevents procrastinating on an entire project until the very last minute. Set smaller, more manageable goals with their own due dates in advance of a complete project or event.

For example, imagine your big-picture calendar says “History Project Due Feb. 23.” Breaking that down could look like this:

• Choose topic and presentation method: Jan. 9
• Initial research: Jan. 10-30
• Presentation outline: Jan. 31
• Write presentation script: Feb. 1-5
• Create visual aids: Feb. 6-12
• Rehearse presentation: Feb. 13
• Fine-tune presentation: Feb 14-16
• Final rehearsals: Feb. 17
• Give history presentation: Feb. 23

At first, this method might feel a little overwhelming, because it may make you feel like there’s too much to get done. But as you use it, you’ll see how it can actually make you feel more prepared and in control, and make your time easier to manage.

Determine priorities

Sometimes it’s simply true: You don’t have enough time in a day to get all the things done that you’d like to. That’s where setting priorities becomes vital. In the “Time Management Techniques” section below, you’ll find several different ideas for determining the priority of different items on your lists.

Once you’ve figured out which items are the most important, try a color-coding system to indicate which items get a higher priority. This will help you identify at a glance what you need to do now and what can wait until another day.

Make daily to-do lists

Make it a habit to start each day by creating a to-do list. (Not a morning person? You can do this the night before too.) Include high-priority items, as well as things you’d like to do but may not have to complete. Throughout the day, as you complete an item, revisit your list and check it off. It’s incredibly satisfying to cross things off, and checking in with your list a few times a day ensures you don’t forget important things. ADVERTISEMENT

Limit multitasking

Today’s world places a lot of value on multitasking (doing several things at once). But when you’re doing multiple things at the same time, you’re probably not doing any of them well. So keep your multitasking to a minimum. When it’s time to work on something, set your focus to that particular thing. Other stuff can wait.

But some multitasking is OK. For instance, you might throw your clothes in the washing machine, then work on your math homework while waiting for them to be ready for the dryer. Later on, you could fold and put away the laundry while practicing conjugating Spanish verbs out loud. This type of multitasking works because the physical tasks are ones that don’t require much concentration, leaving your brain free for academic subjects.

On the other hand, avoid something like trying to listen to a podcast for your history class while also doing your math homework. Your attention won’t be fully on each, and your learning will suffer.

Remove distractions

Some people are capable of deep focus no matter what’s going on around them. Most of us, though, need to find ways to remove distractions when it’s time to get down to work. Here are some examples to try:

• Turn off your phone, or set it to alert you only in case of emergencies.
• Wear noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out distracting sounds. A white-noise machine or app can help with this too.
• Close miscellaneous tabs in your web browser (like social media or news sites), and use only the tabs you need for your work.
• Go into a quiet room and shut the door. Ask friends and family not to disturb you.
• Check your to-do list before you start to make sure you’re on track. Then, clear your mind of other projects or tasks, and focus on what’s at hand.

Do an end-of-day review

At the end of each day, sit down with your to-do list. Was there anything you didn’t get to? Move it to another day. Did you feel too rushed today? Think about how you might make tomorrow run a bit more smoothly. Where do you stand in terms of your big-picture goals? Take a few minutes to adjust any plans accordingly.

Try a time audit

It’s OK if you don’t get to everything on your list every day. But if you find that there’s never enough time to get things done, you might benefit from a time audit. Over the period of a week or two, write down exactly how you spend your time, hour by hour. Then, look it over and see if you can identify problem areas. You might need to cut down on some optional activities and give that time to high-priority items instead. Learn how to do a time audit here.

The time management strategies we’ve talked about so far are general ways to stay on track and get stuff done. But there are multiple ways to approach some of these strategies, especially when it comes to actually settling down to work. Check out these popular time management techniques and choose one or more that seem right for you.

Eisenhower Decision Matrix

President Eisenhower developed this matrix and used it to help him prioritize his tasks. He looked at each item to evaluate it by importance and urgency, then broke them into four categories:

• Do First: These are urgent, important tasks with high priority.
• Schedule: These are important tasks that aren’t quite as urgent.
• Delegate: You may be able to delegate less important but still urgent tasks to someone else.
• Don’t Do: These non-urgent, unimportant items can be eliminated entirely or postponed indefinitely.

Here are some possible student examples for each category:

• Do First: Homework that’s due tomorrow takes top priority, as might doing laundry if you’re out of clean clothes.
• Schedule: Set aside time (see Time Blocking) for smaller parts of long-term projects, such as research time or writing an outline. That could be today or one day in the near future.
• Delegate: Students aren’t always able to delegate their tasks, but they can ask for help. For example, if your schedule is incredibly tight, you could ask your dad if he’d be willing to throw your clothes in the dryer when the washer is done.
• Don’t Do: These are often bad habits you need to break, like surfing the web aimlessly instead of working, or texting your friends for hours instead of doing your chores.

Find out much more about the Eisenhower Matrix and how to use it for time management strategies here.

ABCDE Method

This is another time management strategy for prioritizing the tasks at hand. Assign each item a letter:

• A: Highest priority
• B: Should do soon, if not today
• C: Could do, but no serious consequences if not done
• D: Delegate or ask for help
• E: Eliminate from your list

This is very similar to the Eisenhower Matrix, with a little more flexibility around should-dos and could-dos. Learn more about the ABCDE method here.

Most Difficult First (Eat That Frog)

This method is based on a quote often attributed to Mark Twain: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”

In other words, don’t put off the biggest, hardest tasks. Get them out of the way first. Then, everything else you have to do will seem easy in comparison.

For some people, though, this concept can be counterproductive. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, tackling something extremely difficult can be too much and cause you to shut down entirely. In that case, it’s just fine to choose smaller, simpler items. The key is to make progress, one step at a time.

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a simple time management method: You work for 25 minutes at a time, then take a 5-minute break to rest and recharge. Simply set a timer for 25 minutes, and focus on one single task until it goes off. Then, you can spend 5 minutes stretching, resting your eyes, or checking your social media feeds. When the 5 minutes are up, set the timer for another 25 minutes, and get back to work. If you do four 25-minute sessions in a row, take a longer break afterwards. Learn more about the Pomodoro Technique here.

If 25 minutes seems too short and you’d like a little more uninterrupted time, try Flowtime instead. This stretches out both the work and break time proportionally. If you work for 25-50 minutes, take an 8-minute break. For 50-90 minutes, you get a 10-minute break. And if you’ve been at it for more than 90 minutes, take 15 minutes to recharge. Learn about Flowtime here.

Parkinson’s Law says that work will always expand to fill the amount of time available. Timeboxing seeks to shrink tasks back to the size they truly need to be. When you timebox, you set a specific amount of time for a task and complete it within that time.

In other words, you might look over your study planner and decide that you need one hour for tonight’s geometry and chemistry assignments, plus you’d like to spend another hour working on your English essay.

Set a timer and work on your geometry and chemistry for an hour, with no other distractions. When the timer goes off, reassess and adjust your goals as needed. Since you have to finish that homework tonight, you’ll probably need to add more time if you’re not finished.

Your English essay isn’t due for two weeks, though, so if you’ve boxed out one hour for working on it today, that’s all you need to do. Set a timer, determine your goals for day, and get to work. When the timer goes off, you’re done for today.

Here’s more on timeboxing.

Time Blocking

This method is similar to timeboxing, but it involves setting blocks of time aside on your calendar for specific tasks. For example, you might block out 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day for daily homework, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for working on your biology research paper, and 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for piano practice. Some people like to start each day by blocking time out on their calendar, figuring out how they’ll make the most of their time. Find out more about time blocking here.

Once you’ve selected some time management strategies to try, you’ll find plenty of tools to help make them work. Check out these top time management tools for students, from planners to timers and beyond.

Student Planners

Traditional paper planners come in a variety of styles, with some made especially for students. The most important thing is to choose one you’ll actually use, and keep it on hand at all times. See our selection of the top student planners here.

Planner Apps

Planner apps and online calendars are nice because you have access to them everywhere you go. For students, we really like:

• My Study Life

See more details on each of these here, plus more options.

Study Planners

Study planners are specific to academics, and they are a simple way to keep track of both short-term and long-term assignments, projects, and more. Check out these free printable options:

• Develop Good Habits: Study Planner
• Alex Marie: Weekly Assignments Due
• Sophia Lee: Homework Planner Pack

Time Management Apps

Planner apps are a good start, but other time management apps can help you stay on track by eliminating distractions or setting time limits. Here are a few to try:

• Pomofocus : A free online 25–5 timer with the ability to add a task list for each work segment
• Rize : An AI productivity coach that uses time tracking to improve your focus and build better work habits
• Forest : Eliminate distractions, stay on task, and grow a digital forest to celebrate your achievements

Bullet Journal

Bullet journaling has a lot of benefits, and some page setups are especially good for time management:

• Daily Schedule
• Project Planner
• Study Tracker

Check out our big roundup of bullet journal ideas here.

What time management strategies do your students find most effective? Come share your thoughts and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, ultimate study skills guide: tips, tricks, and strategies for every grade ..

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16 Best Academic Planners for Students in 2023 (Paper and Online Options!)

Help them plan for success all year long. Continue Reading

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Fed Chair Powell Signals ‘Time Has Come’ for September Rate Cut

Jerome H. Powell made it clear that the Federal Reserve will cut rates on Sept. 18, as the central bank turns the corner in its fight against inflation.

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Fed’s Powell Signals an Upcoming Rate Cut in Jackson Hole Remarks

Jerome h. powell indicated the federal reserve will begin to cut interest rates in september, but stopped short of stating how large that move might be..

The time has come for policy to adjust. The direction of travel is clear, and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. We will do everything we can to support a strong labor market as we make further progress toward price stability. Today, the labor market has cooled considerably from its formerly overheated state. The unemployment rate began to rise over a year ago and is now at 4.3 percent — still low by historical standards, but almost a full percentage point above its level in early 2023. The upside risks to inflation have diminished. And the downside risks to employment have increased. After a pause earlier this year, progress toward our 2 percent objective has resumed. My confidence has grown that inflation is on a sustainable path back to 2 percent. So let me wrap up by emphasizing that the pandemic economy has proved to be unlike any other and that there remains much to be learned from this extraordinary period.

By Jeanna Smialek

Reporting from the Kansas City Fed’s annual conference at Jackson Hole in Wyoming

Speaking in his most closely watched speech of the year, Jerome H. Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, clearly signaled on Friday that the central bank was poised to cut interest rates in September.

And while Mr. Powell stopped short of giving a clear hint at just how large that move might be, he forcefully underscored that the central bank stands prepared to adjust policy to protect the job market from weakening further and to keep the economy on a path for a soft landing.

“The time has come for policy to adjust,” Mr. Powell said during the Kansas City Fed’s annual conference at Jackson Hole in Wyoming. “The direction of travel is clear, and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks.”

He then added: “We will do everything we can to support a strong labor market as we make further progress toward price stability.”

Mr. Powell’s speech was his firmest declaration yet that the Fed is turning a corner in its fight against inflation. After more than a year of holding interest rates at 5.3 percent, the highest level in more than two decades, officials finally have enough confidence to change their stance by cutting rates at their Sept. 17-18 meeting.

Policymakers have been using those high rates to try to cool the economy and, by doing so, wrestle down rapid inflation. But as price increases slow substantially and the job market shows signs of wobbling, officials no longer need to hit the brakes quite so hard.

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