20 Minute Timer
Twenty minutes is long enough for a short test or a real focus session. The timer stays exact even if you switch to other tabs, and keeps the screen awake while it runs.
How to use it
- The timer is already set to 20 minutes. Press Start or the Space bar to begin, and Space again to pause.
- Press Present (or F) to show it full screen. Pick Pie, Bar or Digits, and choose an end sound.
- When time is up you'll hear the chime and see "Time's up!". Press Start again for another round, or +1 min if the class needs longer.
Ways to use a 20 minute timer in class
- Short test or quiz: students can see the time remaining without asking.
- Focus session: work in silence, then take a short break.
- Revision task: complete a practice paper section under timed conditions.
Other timer lengths
Questions teachers ask
Is this timer reliable for a test?
Yes. It's based on the clock rather than counting ticks, so it stays accurate even if the laptop is slow or you switch tabs. Choose a clear end sound such as School bell.
Can students see the time from the back of the room?
Use Present with the Digits style for the largest numbers possible on your screen. Dark screen mode is easier to read on most projectors.
Does the timer keep going if I switch tabs or my laptop is busy?
Yes. The timer works from the clock, not by counting ticks, so it stays exact if you switch to your slides or another tab. The end sound still plays when time is up.
Will my screen go to sleep while the timer runs?
In most browsers, no. While a timer is running the page asks the device to keep the screen on, and lets it sleep again when you pause or the time is up.
Can students see it from the back of the room?
Press Present (or the F key) for a full-screen timer with huge digits. Choose Digits for the largest numbers, or Pie for a shape younger students can read without telling the time.