Monotonic matters
Using a monotonic clock (like performance.now()) keeps the timer steady even if you change your system clock mid-countdown.
Shortcuts: Space Start/Pause • R Reset. Inputs lock while running.
This free countdown timer runs entirely in your browser and uses the high-resolution
performance.now() clock for smooth, accurate timing. Enter the hours, minutes, and seconds you
need and press Start. The main display shows hours, minutes, and seconds with a live millisecond
readout so you can see precisely how much time remains. You can pause or resume any time, and Reset
returns the timer to the last set values in one click.
To make common durations faster, use the quick presets or the Refill Last button to restore your most recent settings. Finish cues are gentle: the timer flashes and, if enabled, plays a small chime created in the browser—no downloads or network requests. For repeating intervals, turn on Loop so the timer automatically restarts when it reaches zero.
Everything is privacy-friendly: no data is uploaded, and there are no background trackers beyond your site’s analytics. Because timing uses a monotonic clock, adjustments to the system time won’t affect the countdown’s accuracy while it runs. This makes the tool reliable for study sessions, workouts, cooking, presentations, and classroom activities where precision and simplicity matter.
Using a monotonic clock (like performance.now()) keeps the timer steady even if you change your system clock mid-countdown.
The “T-minus” style comes from rocket launches in the 1920s; NASA popularised it so teams could sync on “events” instead of wall time.
Short audio beeps every second train your brain’s pacing—watchmakers used the same trick to help people set clocks before digital displays.
Seeing the last .000 helps spot browser throttling: if it suddenly “jumps,” your tab was likely backgrounded or power-saved.
Auto-restarting transforms a countdown into a repeat interval—great for pomodoros, EMOM workouts, or pacing presentations.