3 Minute Timer
Three minutes suits a think-pair-share or a round of partner reading. It gives students time to think properly before they talk, while keeping the energy up.
How to use it
- The timer is already set to 3 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 3 minute timer in class
- Think-pair-share: one minute to think alone, two to discuss with a partner.
- Partner reading: swap readers when the timer ends.
- Quick quiz: three questions, three minutes, then check answers together.
Other timer lengths
Questions teachers ask
Can I split three minutes into stages?
Tick "Beep at 1 minute left" for a soft beep partway through. It's a handy signal to switch from thinking alone to talking with a partner.
Is three minutes long enough for a partner activity?
For one quick exchange, yes. If both partners need a full turn, run the timer twice or use the 5-minute timer instead.
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.