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Classroom Timer

A big, visual countdown students can read from the back of the room. Pick a preset, add a label like “Clean-up time!”, and press Board mode to fill the screen.

  • Time: 1–60 min
  • Grades: K–12
  • Group: Any size
  • Materials: None
Classroom Timer
min sec
🔁 Interval rounds — for PE, stations and circuits
sec sec

Space start/pause · R reset · ↑ +1 min · F board mode · M sound

What is Classroom Timer?

A visible timer is one of the simplest classroom management tools there is. When students can see exactly how much time is left, transitions get faster, group work stays on track and fewer students ask “how long do we have?”. The shrinking ring gives younger students, who cannot yet read a clock, a clear picture of time passing.

This classroom timer is built for the board. The digits are huge, the ring changes color in the last ten seconds, and an optional alarm sounds when time is up. Add a label above the timer so the class knows what the time is for — reading, clean-up, a test section or a brain break — and the remaining time also appears in the browser tab while it runs.

How to use Classroom Timer in class

  1. Pick a time

    Tap a preset from 30 seconds to 20 minutes, or type a custom time in minutes and seconds and press Set.

  2. Add a label

    Click “Work time” above the timer and type what the time is for, such as “Silent reading” or “Tidy up!”.

  3. Start the countdown

    Press Start (or Space). The ring shrinks as time passes and turns amber in the last ten seconds.

  4. Adjust as you go

    Need longer? Press +1 min (or the up arrow) without stopping the timer. Pause and resume at any time.

  5. Time is up

    The ring turns coral and, if sound is on, a short alarm plays. Press Start to run the same time again.

  6. Or run interval rounds

    Open “Interval rounds”, set work and rest seconds and the number of rounds, and press “Start rounds”. The timer switches between work and rest by itself — perfect for PE circuits and station rotations.

More ways to use it

Transition timer

Give one or two minutes to change activities. Challenge the class to be ready before it ends.

Beat the clock

Set a tidy-up time and see if the class can finish before zero for a class point on the scoreboard.

Test sections

Label each section of a test and run a timer for each one so students can pace themselves.

Think time

Run 30 seconds of silent thinking before anyone may raise a hand.

Station rotations

Use interval rounds with a short rest for moving between stations, so the timer runs the whole rotation for you.

PE circuits

Set 40 seconds of work and 20 seconds of rest for six rounds — a ready-made circuit for PE games and warm-ups.

Teacher tips

  • Turn on Sound (or press M) for the alarm; it is off by default so the page never surprises you.
  • High-contrast mode makes the numbers stand out on a washed-out projector.
  • Keep the tab open during group work — the time left also shows in the tab title.
  • For younger students, focus on the color of the ring rather than the numbers.

Classroom Timer: FAQ

Can I make the timer full screen?

Yes. Press the Board mode button or the F key. Press it again, or Escape, to exit.

Does the timer make a sound at the end?

Only if you turn sound on with the Sound button or the M key. It stays off by default.

Will the timer keep running if I switch tabs?

Yes. The countdown is based on real time, so it stays accurate even if the tab is in the background.

What is the longest time I can set?

Up to three hours, which covers any lesson, exam or event.

Can I add time while it is running?

Yes. Press +1 min or the up arrow key to add a minute without stopping the countdown.

Can the timer do work and rest intervals?

Yes. Open “Interval rounds”, choose work seconds, rest seconds and the number of rounds, then press “Start rounds”. The timer shows the round and phase in big text above the ring.